Programs - Youth Court
Laurie Peterson - Program Coordinator
- Phone: (716) 938-9111 ext 2617
Picture #1 of the Youth Court volunteers for 2006
Youth Court volunteers for 2006 being sworn in
A Youth Court Trial
Cake for the Youth Court volunteers of 2006
Picture #2 of the Youth Court volunteers for 2006
Youth Court is a voluntary alternative to the juvenile justice system for firsttime, nonviolent offenders under the age of 16. Eligible participants, who are willing to admit culpability to the offense, will have their sanctions determined by a peer court and jury. The major benefit for those who successfully complete the Youth Court program is the avoidance of a juvenile arrest record.
The hearings are staffed by highly trained middle and high school youth who volunteer for the roles of courtroom personnel.
The Cattaraugus County Youth Court Program also operates school-based Youth Court programs in several of the county's school districts.
YOUTH COURT HEARING
The Youth Court Hearing is set to determine sanctions only. In addition to admitting culpability the offender must also agree to waive certain rights (i.e. legal counsel, a trial, etc.) before their case will be accepted by Youth Court.
Once those criteria have been reached, the defense representative meets with the offender when they arrive for the scheduled hearing. When the interview is completed the hearing is conducted. Statements are presented to the judge and jury by both the defense and prosecution. The jury then goes into deliberation to determine the sanctions for the offense. The jury takes the offender's age, victim impact, and the nature of the offense into consideration when determining sanctions.
SANCTIONS
Sanctions may include:
- Letters of apology
- Restitution
- Youth Court Jury Duty
- Essays
- Curfews
- Community Service
A reasonable timetable is established for completion of the Youth Court sanctions. The Youth Court Coordinator supervises the completion of the sanctions.
YOUTH COURT TEAM
Middle and High School aged students who wish to make a positive difference in their school, community, and other youth in Cattaraugus County are invited to join the Youth Court Team. When an application is accepted by the Youth Court Coordinator the youth will be enrolled in the next Youth Court training session.
Members of Youth Court serve as a positive role model for their peers, become positive assets to their school and community, develop and sharpen speaking, moral reasoning, and creative problem solving skills, understand the USA Justice and Court systems, and gain valuable experience for college and careers.
BENEFITS OF YOUTH COURT
There are many benefits to Youth Court, more than we can write down… even in cyberspace! Here are some of the most overt and short term benefits to Youth Court:
- The offender has no Juvenile Arrest Record.
- Case loads for Family Court and Probation are alleviated, allowing them to concentrate on more serious offenders.
- Communities have more youth with a positive attitude toward rules and authority.
- Performance of community service provides needed help to nonprofit agencies and organizations.