Typical cases that may be heard in Youth Court include shoplifting, criminal mischief, larceny, and vandalism. The judge or jury may determine the question of guilt or innocence. If there is an admission of guilt, the jury may impose a sentence that includes community service or attendance to classes and counseling sessions. The jury cannot sentence any youth to a detention facility or jail. Young people who serve on the Youth Court have successfully completed a multi-week law related training program.
Instruction includes an overview of the criminal justice system from arrest through appeal.
The organization, jurisdiction, operation of the Youth Court, consequences of crime, and sentencing issues, including aggravating and mitigating circumstance are also reviewed. The training program concludes with mock trials to prepare members for participation in Youth Court proceedings. By agreeing to proceed in Youth Court, an offender obtains certain benefits, and waives certain rights that otherwise would attach in traditional criminal justice proceedings. Benefits include a decision by a jury of peers aimed at assisting the offender in abstaining from criminal conduct, and the opportunity to participate positively in the criminal justice system. The committee works with offenders, families, jurors, law enforcement agencies, and others in the community to ensure that Youth Court is effective in its mission.