How Does Teen Court Work?

Each defendant is appointed a volunteer teen defense attorney. Volunteer teen prosecutors are assigned to represent the state. Adult attorneys train the teen attorneys, and in some courts, prior to the court session, meet with them to discuss each case.

Each hearing is conducted before a jury comprised of volunteer teens and/or past defendants completing their sentence. At the conclusion of each case, the jury retires to deliberate before handing down a constructive sentence of jury terms and community service hours. Other options determined by individual courts may also be used.