What happens in Teen Court?
As stated above, peers of the defendants occupy the roles of the attorneys, clerk, bailiff and the jury. The attorneys come early on court days, look over the docket and the cases and they decide who is going to prosecute or defend each defendant whose case is being heard that day. At a previously determined hour, the Judge enters the courtroom and we begin the first case. Each attorney makes opening statements, then we have the questioning period during which time the defendant, under oath, goes to the witness box and answers questions about the incident. The jury, in the jury box, listens to the defendant, observes his/her demeanor and assimilates the information. After the questioning is over and the defendant returns to the defense table, we have closing arguments during which time the attorneys ask for a sentence. The judge instructs the jury to go into the Jury Deliberating Room, pick a foreperson and unanimously arrive at a sentence. The sentence will be 15-75 hours of community
Teen Court operates much like any adult court except that the public is not allowed to sit in the courtroom during juvenile proceedings-and, of course, the attorney, bailiff, court clerk, and jurors are all teenagers. Teen Court is not to determine guilt or innocence. By participating in Teen Court the young person has admitted to committing the offense. Teen Court decides the sentence. The prosecuting attorney presents the case to the jury. Following that, the defense attorney presents the defendant’s case which usually includes calling the defendant to the witness stand and asking questions to help the jury understand the defendant. The prosecuting attorney then cross-examines the defendant. After both of the attorneys have presented their cases, each have the opportunity to present their recommended sentence to the jury. The bailiff then takes the jury to the deliberation room where the jurors discuss and decide an appropriate sentence. They return to the courtroom and the sentence
Teen Court meets once a month A group of volunteer teens carry on the role of jurors The Peer Jury questions the defendant about the incident After deliberating, the peer jury issues a sentence for the defendant. How Can I get Involved in Teen Court? Teens between the ages of 13 through 17 can volunteer as jurors. Teen Court jurors are provided an opportunity to get involved in juvenile justice and realize their duties as members of the community. Pick up an application from Algonquin, Huntley, or Lake in the Hills Police Department or talk to your School Resource Officer. Or you may click here for a copy of the application.
A youth, who has voluntarily admitted guilt to a crime or an offense, appears for a sentencing hearing before a jury of peers. The jury is presented with evidence relevant to sentencing, deliberates, and passes sentence. Sentences typically include community service and counseling, and stress rehabilitative goals. Upon successful completion of Teen Court, a conviction will be kept off their record. WHAT TYPES OF CASES ARE HEARD IN TEEN COURT ? Cases are referred by the City Attorney of South Sioux City, Dakota County Attorney, and Iowa Juvenile Court Services to the Coordinators, who accept cases meeting established criteria. Typical cases that may be heard in Teen Court include shoplifting, criminal mischief, trespassing, vandalism, and alcohol offenses. WHAT DOES THE COURT DECIDE? The function of Teen Court is to determine what consequences are appropriate for each individual, considering the circumstances of the law violation. They may impose a sentence that includes community servi
