How Teen Court Works
Through direct and active participation in Teen Court, juveniles learn to accept responsibility for their behavior and accountability to the community, while enhancing their respect and understanding of the judicial process.
How Cases are Referred to Teen Court
Cases are referred to Teen Court from juvenile probation and the juvenile court. The juvenile must be a first-time offender and must admit guilt to participate. The Teen Court jury of peers hears the facts of the offense, the juvenile’s explanation and the consequence of the act, then determines the punishment for the crime within the guidelines set by the juvenile court Judge. The juvenile and his or her parents or guardians must sign the appropriate admission of the offense, waivers and consent forms waiving the formal process and confidentiality, and participate in the program as a family.
The Teen Defendant Appears Before a Jury of Peers
The juvenile will appear before a teen jury and will be represented by a teen “attorney.” Both defense and prosecuting attorneys will be assisted by adult attorney mentors, and a sitting judge will preside over the hearing. Teens also assume the roles of clerk and bailiff during the proceedings.
The Peer Jury Assigns Sentence
After hearing both sides, the teen jury deliberates on the appropriate sentence, which must include that the defendant serve at least two times as a Teen Court juror. The Teen Court coordinator and probation officer work with the defendant and the family for sentence completion.
Sentencing options
Write an essay on a topic selected by the jury
Tour jail or juvenile hall
Participate in juvenile alcohol or drug program
Perform ten to thirty hours of community service work
Suspension of drivers license for thirty days to one year
Ride along with law enforcement officials
Be subject to search and seizure for one to twelve months
Complete anger control program
Others, as jury deems appropriate within the guidelines of the court
Teen Court Educational Component
The school curriculum is designed as a two-week unit and includes lessons based on Juvenile Law and a series of discussions led by professionals in various areas of the justice system. In this program Probation Officers, Judges, District Attorneys, Public Defenders, Peace Officers and the Teen Court Coordinator, among others, go to the classroom to provide information and answer questions.
Written materials present general concepts and specifics of laws which may affect juveniles. The teachers are provided with training to facilitate discussions and a pre-test and post-test are given to evaluate student learning.
Service Learning integrates community service with curriculum standards by using the power of community service to apply what is being taught in the classroom. Service Learning has been endorsed by the U.S. Secretary of Education as well as the California Department of Education and has been recognized in the Teen Court program and its curriculum.
“Some Direction is all That is Needed”
The Teen Court is a partnership that challenges the entire community to take an active role in addressing juvenile crime and helping our youth understand and take responsibility for their citizenship