Brown Bag Lecture at Hancock Historical Museum: “The Failed History of Drug Enforcement” with Retired Judge Reginald Routson

The Hancock Historical Museum invites the public to its upcoming Brown Bag Lecture on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at noon. The featured presentation, “The Failed History of Drug Enforcement,” will be delivered by retired Judge Reginald J. Routson, offering a critical examination of America’s longstanding War on Drugs.

In 1971, President Richard Nixon declared a “War on Drugs,” focusing heavily on criminalizing drug use, which led to mass incarceration and an emphasis on interdiction efforts. For many years, minimal resources were allocated to treatment programs. Today, over 37 million Americans report having a substance use disorder, whether related to legal or illegal substances—highlighting the shortcomings of these strategies. Judge Routson will discuss the urgent need to rethink outdated policies and explore alternative approaches that may yield more effective results.

Reginald J. Routson served as a judge on the Hancock County Court of Common Pleas from 1998 until his retirement in 2024. His distinguished career also includes a decade on the Findlay Municipal Court bench, service as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Hancock County, and roles advocating for legal equality and patient rights. Judge Routson earned both his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Bowling Green State University and holds a J.D. from the University of Toledo College of Law.

The lecture will last approximately 45 minutes to an hour, with ample time for questions and discussion. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lunches to enjoy during the program. Admission is free for museum members and $3 for non-members.

The Brown Bag Lecture Series takes place on the first Thursday of every month at the Hancock Historical Museum, located at 422 West Sandusky Street in Findlay. Each lecture highlights topics of historical and cultural significance to Hancock County and Ohio.

No registration is required. For more information, please contact the Hancock Historical Museum at (419) 423-4433 or visit www.hancockhistoricalmuseum.org.