NCJ Number
203887
Date Published
September 2003
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the role of youth courts in promoting civic involvement.
Abstract
Youth courts, which are handled through the traditional juvenile court and school systems, offer an alternative to court and school disciplinary proceedings. The courts are voluntary and youth-driven, and may involve youth volunteers as jurors, judges, prosecutors, defenders, clerks, and bailiffs. Youths learn about the justice process and about civic involvement, as many of the sentences involve community service and educational workshops. Not only do the youthful offenders benefit, so do the youths who volunteer to work in the program. Often these youths spend considerable time preparing to defend or prosecute the case before them. This type of setting is important as researchers warn that Americans are increasingly disengaging from the civic and political process. Moreover, the youth court system addresses the concerns of critics who question the efficacy of increasingly moving youthful offenders into the adult criminal justice system. Research has verified the benefits to youth of attending youth court in lieu of the typical juvenile justice system. Some of the findings from such research include the fact that recidivism is particularly low for youth court cases and client satisfaction is high among both youths and parents who participate in the youth court process. The National Youth Court Center serves as an information clearinghouse for State and local youth court programs and offers training and technical assistance on the operating procedures of successful youth courts. Examples are offered of supportive State policies and funding for youth courts, including examples from Illinois, Tennessee, and Washington. Federal funding and National support are also available for youth courts, but there is currently no specific Federal legislation mandating Federal funding for youth court centers. In light of the many benefits of youth courts, especially its emphasis on civic involvement, it is imperative that this type of alternative to the traditional juvenile justice system continue to grow and thrive. References