Washington County’s Teen Court program is making an impact on the lives of a number of young people in the county.
Teen Court is based on the philosophy that juveniles judged by a true jury of their peers are less likely to continue their unlawful behavior. With the help of their teen jurors and attornies, defendants in teen court achieve a true understanding of the consequences of breaking the law and are held completely accountable for their action.
Additionally, Teen Court provides a valuable learning opportunity for youths in Washington County. The students who serve as volunteer attorneys, clerks, bailiffs, and jurors are given a unique insight into the legal system and the inner working of a courtroom. Washington County Teen Court gives the full required hours of community service for those student volunteers wanting to go to college. Teen Court also helps youths develop self-esteem while exposing them to future career options. Youth has a place in society and society demands accountability.
‘Helping to Balance the Scales of Justice’
Teen Court is based on the premise that youthful offenders will more readily accept responsibility for their actions when judged by their peers. The juries in teen court cases are comprised of trained student volunteers, along with defendants who have previously been required to serve jury duty as part of their sentence.
Teen Court is a juvenile diversion program for first-time offenders where youths can elect to participate rather than go through the customary process of Juvenile Court. Juveniles ages 8 to 17, who admit their guilt, are eligible for the program. Parent participation is mandatory.
In Teen Court, the offender will be represented, examined, and cross-examined by trained teenage attorneys. A jury comprised of the offender’s peers will deliberate that sanctions should be placed on the individuals.
All defendants will be required to complete a number of community service hours, submit to random urinalysis and a number of sessions as a juror in Teen Court.
Other sanctions may include counseling, essays relative to the offense, homework packets, law-related education class, house arrest, curfews, driver’s license suspension and restitution (if applicable).
Failure to comply or to abide by the rules of Teen Court will result in the case being sent back to Juvenile Court and to the attention of the State Attorney’s Office.
Through Teen Court, the offender has a better understanding of the consequences of breaking the law. The program allows the juvenile to participate in a “hands-on” educational process to learn more about justice. At the same time, it allows youthful offenders to recognize and assume the consequences for their actions via judgment in a courtroom by their peers.
By promoting self-esteem, self-improvement and a more positive attitude toward authority and the juvenile justice system, Teen Court can be the turning point for juveniles who are at risk for delinquent behavior.
Check out Teen Court, it could make a difference in the life of a youth you know.