A Pennsylvania judge recently ordered three men charged with conspiracy to commit robbery to learn English or go to jail, according to the AP. If the men don't pass English tests a year from now, they will face 24 months in prison for violating parole.

The Spanish-speaking men needed translators in order to plead guilty in court, which prompted the judge to ask: "Do you think we are going to supply you with a translator all your life?"

The judge, Peter Paul Olszewski Jr., said that the unusual sentences, which also require that the men obtain employment, are meant to help them.

One of the defendant's lawyers said he hasn't decided whether to appeal the ruling, and it's unclear why he would.

The worst day spent with Berlitz tapes has got to be better than the best day in the clink-- though, as a former English teacher, I'd say not by much.

More here.

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