Criminal and Justice Studies Professor Tauya Forst’s interest in law became apparent at an early age.
“My interest began with the disparities in skill, resources and finances for those in need of representation,” she said. “Also, the opportunity to analyze a case from many perspectives is exciting and challenging.”
Forst earned her bachelor’s degree at Bradley University, a Master of Science in Criminal and Justice Studies at Grand Canyon University and her law degree at Northern Illinois University, after which she amassed an impressive range of legal experiences. She was a mitigation specialist in a death penalty case and disposed of more than 200 juvenile cases, and later she founded her own firm and was general counsel to 20 small-to medium-size companies.
Forst incorporates her experience and legal acumen in Criminal and Justice Studies classes at COD, preparing students for careers in law and public service. She is an expert in restorative justice, repairing the harm caused by crime and community restorative practices.
Contact Forst at johnsont217@cod.edu or (630) 942-3019.
I hope my students recognize that criminal justice must provide a more restorative perspective if it is to be successful.
- Tauya Forst, Criminal and Justice Studies Professor
Areas of Expertise
- Constitutional Law
- Restorative Justice
- Restorative Practices
- Social Justice
- SCOTUS (The Supreme Court of the United States)
- Systemic Racism
- Unconscious Bias
- Women on The Supreme Court