Teen Court is an alternative to municipal court. Cases are presented in the Brown County Courthouse in front of a local attorney who volunteers as the judge. Everyone in the courtroom takes an oath of confidentiality. The defendant is sworn in and questioned by the defense and prosecution attorneys to determine the circumstances of the offense. After carefully listening to the facts, the jurors leave the courtroom to discuss a constructive sentence for the defendant.
All members are volunteers.
Teens are referred to Teen Court through municipal court. After the Teen Court staff receives a referral, an interview is scheduled with the juvenile and parent to explain the Teen Court process, and sign the 'Teen Court Agreement'. Two teen volunteers discuss a case together. Besides being fun, teen court is a very educational experience. Prosecuting Attorney Defense Attorney Jury Member Clerk Bailiff Volunteers will be required to attend a training session.