The former Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court, the Honorable Ernest A. Finney, was the guest speaker at the Turbeville Correctional Institution's Impact of Crime graduation ceremony on July 11. Twelve inmates received their certificates for successfully participating in the program, which is designed to make the inmate aware of how criminal actions affect victims, family and the community. Justice Finney addressed the class with a welcome frankness.
Life is hard.
Justice Finney explained that upon reentry into society there would be trials, tribulations, temptations and challenges. He added that there may be those who are not ready to accept them or forgive them for what they had done in the past. Justice Finney told the participants that they must not let the difficulty of life lead them down the wrong path a second time. He suggested that, in the years to come, the participants look back at this class, remember this ceremony and remember what they felt in their hearts on this day to help them through difficult times. Justice Finney also talked about what he considered to be the biggest challenge these young men face.