1. Chapter 7 Youth Court

2. 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

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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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