St. Joseph School

Members of the senior class at St. Joseph High School met with a representative from the 20th Judicial District Court on November 27. Juvenile Judge Troy Braswell's Chief of Staff, Leeanna Brown, came to speak to the students about Teen Court. It's a diversion program that helps at-risk youth avoid real legal consequences and get themselves on the right path.
The defendants in these mock trials are usually 11-15 year old youth who've already pleaded guilty to a minor offense.Teen Court is a place where such youth are tried and judged by local teen volunteers from area high schools. They take on the roles of prosecutors, defense attorneys, bailiffs, clerks and jurors. This court is not one that determines guilt or innocence. It's more about deciding what may be the most appropriate way to deal with such cases.This may include community service, restitution, counseling, or any other activity that would address risk needs to prevent future delinquency. Youthful offenders who participate in Teen Court are 25 per cent less likely to re-offend.
Several of St. Joseph's seniors took application forms. They'll be interviewed later, and if they're selected they'd start hearing cases in January. The court convenes a couple of times a month from then until April.