Trustworthy Efficient Accountable Helpful. These amazing teenagers were honored by the Clay County Board of County Commissioners at a meeting early this week. These are awesome young people dedicating extra time and energy into a program that helps other teens while giving themselves insight into the legal system as well. This amazing group of teens put in hundreds of hours preparing for this competition —from analyzing the mock case including all witness statements, exhibits, objections, and rules of evidence , to preparing their opening statements, direct examinations, cross examinations, and closing arguments, to perfecting each of these things prior to competition.
Trustworthy Efficient Accountable Helpful. Teen Court is a nationally acclaimed diversion program designed to divert qualified juvenile offenders from formal Juvenile Court proceedings. Our helpful and experienced staff is ready to assist you, along with fellow teenagers who volunteer to manage the needed judicial, attorney, clerk and bailiff roles. Teen Court is for youth ages
The Teen Court program is a voluntary alternative to conventional judicial procedure. Cases handled are minor first-time misdemeanors. During Teen Court, a Peer Jury of approximately six high school and middle school students will question the offender.
Youth courts train teenagers to handle real-life cases involving their peers, offering a restorative response to misbehavior. Youth courts use positive peer pressure to ensure that young people who have committed minor offenses pay back the community and receive the help they need to avoid further involvement in the justice system. Youth courts hear a range of low-level crimes; many handle cases that would otherwise wind up in Family Court or Criminal Court.