Chapter 7 Youth Court

Youth Court This alternative to the traditional court system allows nonviolent, first time offenders to submit to judgment of peers rather than a judge Offenders must admit truth of the charges and agree to abide by this court’s decision

Youth Roles in Youth Court Depending on model, youths can play any and all roles in court Adults supervise programs, which are statutorily created

Youth Court Models Adult is judge, youths in all other roles Youths play all roles, including judge Youths play all roles, judgment by tribunal rather than judge Adult presents case to jury of youths

Youth Court Procedure Police, school officials, court officials can divert defendants to youth court Defendants must waive their right to speedy trial

Youth Court Procedure (continued) Administrator schedules hearing Youth meets with attorney Youth and attorney present case to judge, jury, and/or tribunal Adjudicator determines disposition

Youth Court Dispositions Most frequently involve restitution, community service, self-improvement Are geared toward rehabilitation rather than punishment Are individually crafted to suit particular needs of youth

Youth Court Authority Authority is derived from statute Only coercive authority is the threat to return youths to juvenile courts if they fail to comply with youth courts