Teen Court

Teen Court is a specialized program for schools designed to prevent serious discipline problems from developing by addressing minor rule infractions in a simulated court setting. Key to its success, Teen Court relies on trained student volunteers to serve as jurors, defense and prosecuting attorneys, bailiffs and clerks. Volunteer attorneys from Madison County serve as judges and rule on courtroom procedure only.

Student offenders are referred to Teen Court by school administration and are subjected to standard school disciplinary action if they do not abide by the Court’s ruling. Sanctions for offenders may include written or oral apologies, detention and essays. Partnership for a Drug-Free Community also works with schools to customize sanctions appropriate for their students.

The Teen Court program offers specific and valuable benefits for schools and students:

• For the school, it serves as an appropriate and effective method to address minor (Class 1) offenses in an effort to prevent small discipline problems from developing into big discipline problems.
• For the student offenders, it establishes an authoritative forum in which they learn the consequences of their actions extend beyond discipline and that social appropriateness is important.
• For the student volunteers, it offers an opportunity to explore the legal system for learning purposes or even as a possible career choice.

In the 2002 and 2003 school years, Stone Middle School has been the pilot school for the Teen Court program with much success. Plans are underway to implement the Teen Court program at additional middle schools throughout Madison County in 2004.
 

A few comments about the Teen Court program...

"Partnership' Teen Court program benefits kids in so many ways. It empowers the ones that participate as court representatives and opens their minds to career possibilities in law. It also teaches powerful and useful lessons to those that sit as defendants."
Charles Brinkley
Attorney at Law
Teen Court Volunteer

"Teen Court is fun and a great learning experience. It helped me understand the court system and expanded my thinking skills."
Stone Middle School Student
Teen Court participant

If you would like to request this program for your school or youth group, please contact us.

Also, read more about our other programs:

Kelly Bear to the Rescue | At-Risk Tutorial Program | Too Good for Drugs and Violence-After School Activities | What's the Message | The Choice Players | Teen Court | The PEN Show Parents Resource Center | Speakers Bureau | Red Ribbon Rally

Also, read more about...
volunteer opportunities, and corporate/individual giving...

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