Crime and Punishment Forums for Marathon County
The Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy & Service, in partnership with the Community Planning Council of Marathon County and Marathon County, conducted a series of National Issues Forum-style public dialogues during the fall of 2008 on the issue of crime and punishment. Citizens were invited to meet at various locations around the county, including the public libraries, to participate in moderated dialogues. 
Participants examined tradeoffs while learning about their shared and divergent values. A concluding public meeting was held at the Jefferson Street Inn to allow participants to reflect on outcomes and potential action plans for community and local leaders. Results of the dialogues and reflections were distributed to the media, the public, stakeholders, and government leaders.
PURPOSE
- Provide a venue for the public to deliberate together about an important community issue.
- Create opportunity for citizens’ values and views on crime and punishment to be collected and shared with the media and public officials.
- Encourage a community habit of constructive dialogue on public issues.
- Reinforce the importance of public participation as a key to healthy democratic practice.
PARTNERS
Marathon County Government
Marathon County Public Libraries
University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension
University of Wisconsin-Marathon County
Wausau Daily Herald
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