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WPEC-TV CBS12 News :: News - Palm Beach County News - Lynn University students take the classroom to the courtroom for Goodman trial

Lynn University students take the classroom to the courtroom for Goodman trial

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Wellington multi-millionaire John Goodman learned his fate Friday, that he got 16 years in prison.  
The courtroom was packed with friends and relatives of Goodman and the victim, Scott Wilson.

But there were other spectators who came there for another reason.

Goodman: I mean just to be a part of this is so tragic  and horrible.

When John Goodman told the judge how he feels about what he did, it wasn't just lawyers and relatives who were there listening and watching. The crowd also included some college kids from Lynn University.

Sindee Kerker, criminal justice associate professor: He got what he deserved. It's sad, because as everybody said, he was a good person, he gave a lot to the community. He was a great person but he, you know, did a foolish thing. He  deserves to be punished.

Students from two classes at Lynn University, Criminal Law and Procedure and the American Judiciary, watched the sentencing Friday when Goodman got 16 years. They were there for part of the trial as well, to see the court system in action rather than just reading about it in textbooks.

RELATED: John Goodman awaiting bail

Andy Buck, junior, majoring in criminal justice: Seems a little lenient because he killed a kid. But I'm still shocked that it was so lenient.

Prosecutors urged the judge to give Goodman 20 years in prison for DUI manslaughter, running a stop sign in his Bentley in Wellington and slamming into another car, killing 23-year-old Scott Wilson. The defense asked for 11 and a half.

Buck: He deserved 20 years like the prosecution suggested.

He says the 16 year sentence may be enough to make others think twice before driving if they've had too much to drink.

CBS 12: Do you think justice was served here today? 

Buck: I mean for the most part, its going deter some people from drinking and driving.

Another Lynn University student felt Goodman should've received less prison time.

Pamela Brinson, junior, majoring in American Studies: I think they should've been a little bit more lenient.

CBS 12: Why is that?

Brinson: Because everyone makes mistakes and I'm not taking anything from the family and my heart goes out to the family, because I've experienced loss, I've experienced death. But I just feel like it wasn't fair.Lynn University students take the classroom to the courtroom for Goodman trial

Monday, May 14 2012, 07:52 PM EDT

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