Museum lecture to focus on history of drug enforcement

FINDLAY — Retired Common Pleas Court Judge Reginald J. Routson will offer a critical examination of America's longstanding "War on Drugs" during Thursday's Brown Bag Lecture at the Hancock Historical Museum, 422 W. Sandusky St. The noon presentation is titled "The Failed History of Drug Enforcement." 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. Routson will discuss the urgent need to rethink outdated policies and explore alternative approaches that may yield more effective results. Routson served as a judge on the Hancock County Court of Common Pleas from 1998 until his retirement in 2024. His 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. He 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 45 minutes to an hour with time for questions. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lunches to enjoy during the program. Admission is free for museum members and $3 for nonmembers. No registration is required. Contact the museum at 419-423-4433 or visit www.hancockhistoricalmuseum.org for more information.