What is Teen Court?

Teen Court is a legally binding alternative system of justice that offers young offenders an opportunity to make restitution for their offenses through community service, educational classes, and jury service. This allows them to avoid fines and sentences handed down by the criminal justice system. Teen Court tries Real Cases with Real Consequences.Teen Court is a "hands on" educational opportunity that allows both offenders and teen volunteers to better understand our system of justice.

A youth referred to Teen Court has his/her case argued by teenage prosecuting and defense attorneys before a jury of peers, consisting of volunteers from local secondary schools and returning youth who were previously defendants. The teen jury determines each defendant’s sentence based on the nature of the offense committed. Each offense is categorized into a particular class, which determines the number of hours of community service to be given. Each defendant is also sentenced to serve a number of jury terms.