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What is the Jamestown Youth Court?
Youth Court is a delinquency prevention and community diversion program patterned after the Family Court process. Youth Court's primary goal is to prevent juvenile offenders from being sent to Family Court.
Who Operates Youth Court?
Youths between the ages of 12 and 19. They serve as judges, law guardians (public defenders), facts attorneys (prosecutors), bailiffs and clerks in court cases of their peers. Youth Court derives its jurisdiction from local legal authorities who have given their support to this program.
What Kind of Offenders are Handled inYouth Court?
Offenders between the ages of 7 and 15, who have allegedly committed an offense no greater than a misdemeanor, can be referred to Youth Court.
Who Are The Referral Sources?
Referrals are made to the court by police agencies.
Youth Court Was Established To:
- Make Jamestown youth aware of the laws and their responsibility to comply with them.
- Prevent potential delinquents from becoming juvenile delinquents or persons in need of supervision (PINS).
- Develop a respect for the juvenile justice system rather than a resentment towards it.
- Allow the offender a way to pay for his/her offense in a constructive manner without having a finding of juvenile delinquency.
What Kind Of Offenses Are Handled In Youth Court?
No felony charges are handled in Youth Court. Offenses include misdemeanors, violations and infractions. Primary offenses tried in Youth Court are petit larceny, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, along with other violations and infractions. In certain circumstances, the arresting officer has a great deal of latitude in determining whether a particular offense will be tried in Youth Court or Family Court. A youth caught inside a building could conceivably be charged with burglary (a felony) or criminal trespass (a misdemeanor). If the charge is burglary, the youth automatically goes to Family Court.
If, however, the charge is criminal trespass, the officer has the option of requiring the youth to appear in Family Court, or if he feels the youth should be given a second chance, he offers the youth and his parents the option of Youth Court.
Most cases are first-time offenders for minor violations which without Youth Court would be handled through Probation or Family Court.
Are Parents Involved In Youth Court?
In the event the parents and the offenders choose to go to Youth Court, they are given a court date. At least one of the parents must appear in court with the offender. The requirement that at least one parent be present in the court at the time of the trial is both for the protection of the youth and for the enlightenment of the parents.
What Happens Next?
The case is referred to a juvenile aid officer to insure that the offender meets the eligibility requirements for Youth Court handling. At the court appearance, the offender is asked to plead guilty or not guilty before his peers. If the plea is guilty, the offender is questioned by the fact-finding attorney in an effort to determine circumstances surrounding his act. The judge can also ask questions if s/he desires. After hearing the facts, the court has several options. The disposition of the case can be:
- Dismissal of the charge.
- A letter of apology to the victim.
- A sentence of community work hours.
- Essay papers to be returned to the Youth Court.
What Kind Of Training Is Offered For Youth Serving On The Court?
- At least six training sessions including mock trials
- Discussions including vocabulary and terminology
- Each teen is given a manual to study
How Often Are Youth Trained?
Usually once a year. Names are accumulated until training is set, then youth are contacted.