Since February, Student Court has delivered decisions in five cases involving suspendable infractions, like smoking and consistent tardiness. The court is a student-based organization which simulates courtroom procedures when hearing students' cases. The court's jury members sentence defendants to community service. Before the administration sends a case to Student Court, a student must admit guilt and agree to adhere to the court's decision. Stephen Barringer, Executive Vice President of Dealer Supply Company and the adult judge in Student Court, said two of the court's purposes are to relieve the administration of disciplinary duties and to use peer pressure to improve general student discipline.
Students act as attorneys, clerks, bailiffs and jury members in the court's cases.
It remains to be seen how the peer judgments affect the student community. Assistant Principal Rick Webber said that because students are forced to admit guilt before going to Student Court, they are sometimes more reluctant to be referred. Webber said students also usually prefer attending ISS than performing community service outside of school. Most of the students in high school have a commitment at home or a job after school or on weekends. Durham attorney Lisa Dukelow, who advises the student lawyers, said Student Court could stand to hear more cases than it currently does.