KINGMAN - Every other Wednesday, first time, non-violent juvenile offenders appear in Teen Court before a jury of their peers. And those peers aren't pushovers.
"Kids can call each other out on their crap much better than adults do," said Melissa Puett, chief juvenile public defender.
Anywhere from one to four defendants can appear in a given session of Teen Court, which is a part of the Probation Department's Diversion Program. High school students serve as prosecutors, defense attorneys and the jury, gaining knowledge of the court system, along with a community service credit.
The teen defendants, the majority of whom are charged with offenses such as shoplifting, are required to serve on a jury following their appearance. One youth, who appeared before the Teen Court last year on a harassment charge, ending up liking the experience so much, he stayed the rest of the year.
"Some of the kids who come is as defendants don't hang out with the best crowd and a lot of them come here and end up making friends with the good kids who are involved," Puett said.
Punishments can range anywhere from probation to a tour of the detention center to more tailored sentences, such as a letter of apology or an alleged thief interviewing a store manager on the effects of shoplifting.
"We try to make it eye-opening but educational," said Teen Court coordinator Nancy Steffen. "A lot of the kids that come in here are grateful for the option."
This Saturday, more than a dozen students involved in Teen Court will participate in the 6th Annual Mock Trial Competition between Kingman and Lake Havasu students.
The students will take their knowledge of case preparation, delivery and questioning and apply it to five scenarios based on actual local cases involving teens. The participants argue their cases before a panel of local attorneys and lawyers who have volunteered for the event. Judge Derek Carlisle from the Mohave County Superior Court will hear the final case.
Reader Comments
Posted: Saturday, November 07, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
Great! Perhaps they can help teach Kingman's justice system something! It sounds like they might know a person's rights!
Posted: Friday, November 06, 2009
Article comment by:
Donald
What a wonderful program! Hopefully these kids have learned a very valuable of what the consequences are when they violate the laws. And just as important, to be judged by their peers who know the score. It's somewhat akin to try to fool Mother Nature. Again, a most wonderful program that should be emulated throughout the whole country.
