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Teen Court is designed to educate youth about the
judicial process. A defendant in
Teen Court learns responsibility to the community and becomes accountable to
his/her peers as well as to the criminal justice system.
Teen Court is also an alternative to juvenile charges being filed.
Teen Court enhances understanding of the judicial system. It allows a juvenile defendant who successfully completes
his/her sentence to keep his/her record clear.
Teen
court allows young people ages 11 - 18 who commit first time minor offenses to
have a hearing with teens acting as prosecutor, defense attorney, and jurors.
An acting judge presides and the teen jury determines the sentence.
Participation in Teen Court is voluntary. Juvenile defendants must admit guilt in order to participate. Usually a parent/guardian must be present at all stages.
Teen
Court is held here
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