For those who aren’t familiar with youth court, it is a group of students who act as judges, prosecuting and defense attorneys, clerks and bailiffs. These students get at least 24 hours of legal training from local attorneys before they can participate. And they must pass a bar exam, plus learn courtroom procedure, evidence, ethics, case preparation and mock arraignments. For nearly 100 hours of participation, they get one-half credit at their school. The longer they work in the court they higher up the ladder they go.
Before they get their own cases in the Palmer courthouse, the teens have to observe current youth judges, attorneys and other courtroom officials.
 Wasilla Police Department photograph Greta Van Susteren donated $600 she won in a Mat-Su Youth Court raffle. |
The teen judges can sentence their peers a number of ways from writing an essay or apology to paying restitution and getting an assessment in the juvenile justice center. The criminals can also be required to attend an adult arraignment or other hearing to see what will happen to them if they don’t change their ways.
Even the defendants benefit. They can get the conviction off their permanent record, giving them a second chance.
And, of course, the community benefits as well when young people learn from their mistakes and choose the right fork in the road when they have to make a difficult decision.
Alcohol and drug use seems to be common offenses among teenagers, so the youth court holds three-hour classes for those offenders as well as giving presentations about the harmful effects of drug and alcohol abuse.
The next training session will be held Jan. 26. The youth court is a good way for teens to get a glimpse of the real world and it likely will give them pause before they do something stupid that could follow them for the rest of their lives.
And for those who face sentencing, the preliminary taste of justice might be enough to make them turn away from crime before it’s too late.
The youth court participants also have to raise money to keep the program going.
That’s where Van Susteren got in on the act.
She helped out some great young people in the Valley. Others could too. If adults know of a student who might like to get involved in their community, Mat-Su Youth Court is a good way to do it.
The number for the youth court is 352-5445. Registration forms are at the Wasilla Police Department.
Comments
15 comment(s)RabReb wrote on Jan 15, 2009 1:23 PM:
Missy from Mississippi wrote on Jan 14, 2009 6:36 PM:
What a lot of people may not realize is that she is a pretty hard core liberal. But she is a great journalist, and a good example of how the job is supposed to be done!
If all liberals were like Greta, people would actually like and respect them. "
_____________________
Greta is a perfect example of how we should put our political differences aside and see people for who they are with all their talents, gifts, and abilities. Greta and Sarah are inspiring. "
Dawn H wrote on Jan 14, 2009 4:03 PM:
Greta is a class act wrote on Jan 14, 2009 2:49 PM:
what a class act she it. "
youngpalinfan wrote on Jan 14, 2009 10:04 AM:
This woman, as well as Sarah Palin, should be respected. PALIN 2012 "
Gary wrote on Jan 14, 2009 9:43 AM:
What a lot of people may not realize is that she is a pretty hard core liberal. But she is a great journalist, and a good example of how the job is supposed to be done!
She disagrees with Sarah on some of her policies. But she looked around and saw no other so called journalist was doing their jobs, and went and brought us the real Sarah.
If all liberals were like Greta, people would actually like and respect them. "
Clifton-B wrote on Jan 14, 2009 9:06 AM:
navy wrote on Jan 14, 2009 8:59 AM:
MAXKATT from NY wrote on Jan 14, 2009 8:24 AM:
Hopeful wrote on Jan 13, 2009 8:24 PM:
BTW, I wonder if anyone on Fox News has the courage to report about the Obama birth certificate controversy. Even if it is a farce, why doesn't he just show the birth certificate, instead of spending millions not to show it?
A good discussion question for the youth court?
. "
sorryinmass wrote on Jan 13, 2009 8:10 PM:
Nancy wrote on Jan 13, 2009 6:21 PM:
Missy from Mississippi wrote on Jan 13, 2009 4:16 PM:
baby girl wrote on Jan 13, 2009 8:17 AM:
Pat wrote on Jan 13, 2009 5:36 AM: