| Q: |
How many community service hours will I earn? |
| A: |
Teen Volunteers earn two (2) community service hours as jurors. Youth Attorneys earn six (6) hours for prep time and court appearance. |
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| Q: |
When & Where is Teen Court held? |
| A: |
Teen Court is held bi-weekly on Tuesday evenings in Court Room "D" in the Nassau County Judicial Annex. Court begins promptly at 6:00 PM and all volunteers must be signed in by 5:30 PM. Appropriate attire must be worn. No shorts. Shirts may not have writing, logos, etc. Shirts must also be tucked in. No food or drinks allowed in the court area. |
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| Q: |
How Does Teen Court Work? |
| A: |
The teen offender comes before Teen Court having acknowledged guilt. The offender and their parent/guardian meet with the Teen Court Coordinator for a pretrial interview to go over the rules and guidelines of the program.
In the court session, the Judge explains the offense committed. The teen defense and prosecution attorneys then present the case to the jury through the testimony of the offender. After carefully listening to the facts, the teen jury deliberates the case and decides a constructive sentence for the offender.
The offender and their parent/guardian then meet with the coordinator to sign a contract to complete the sentence they have received. Once the offender completes their sentence, a Successful Completion report is sent to the State Attorney's Office, Department of Juvenile Justice and the referring agency. |
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| Q: |
What is the purpose of Teen Court? |
| A: |
The purpose of Teen Court is to interrupt the developing pattern of criminal behavior in juveniles by promoting self-esteem, motivation for self improvement and forming a healthy attitude toward authority. The offenders assume responsibility for their behavior and accept the consequences of their actions through community service work, serving on the Teen Court jury and any punishment sanctioned by a Teen Court jury of their peers.
Teen Court provides an educational experience for the offender and teen volunteers. The teens are given "hands-on" experience with the legal process, become familiar with the court system and learn about various career opportunities through the community service they perform.
Teen Court enables young people a unique challenge and opportunity to demonstrate to adults and themselves their capacity for self government and responsible citizenship. |
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| Q: |
What is Teen Court? |
| A: |
Teen Court is a program run by teens for teens. Teenage offenders between the ages of 11 and 18, who have committed a misdemeanor crime have their cases heard by a jury of their peers. The volunteer teens perform the roles of prosecuting and defense attorneys, bailiff, clerk and jury. A local volunteer attorney presides as Judge and is the only adult directly involved in the Court proceedings. |
