The goal of Youth Court is to intervene in early antisocial, delinquent, criminal behavior to reduce the incidence and prevent the escalation of such behavior. It allows offenders the opportunity to complete community service and write essays in lieu of criminal prosecution. This innovative program is designed to make a positive impression on the youthful offender. Youth Court is a participatory approach for students to learn about our legal system, to understand how our system applies to each individual, and to develop an awareness of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. It offers high school students the opportunity to become exposed to the justice system and be active as advocates.
Attorneys are student volunteers from the area middle or high schools.
The jury pool is made up of prior juvenile offenders. The judge is often a local volunteer attorney. Other positions include a bailiff, court clerk and jury monitor who are normally trained by the acting judge as to courtroom procedure, law and protocol. The Sheriff has made Youth Court a top priority to prevent the onset of a criminal lifestyle at the level of the youngest offenders. Typically, an arresting officer forwards a case to a SRO or a YCO in jurisdictions that participate in Youth Court.