Idea about teen courts is given below
Explanation:
1.Teen courts are spreading rapidly across the United States. Many people view them as a cost-effective alternative to traditional juvenile court for some young offenders.
2.Teen courts are generally used for younger juveniles (ages 10 to 15), those with no prior arrest records, and those charged with less serious law violations
(e.g., shoplifting, vandalism, and disorderly conduct). Typically, young offenders are offered teen court as a voluntary alternative in lieu of more formal handling by the traditional juvenile justice system
3.Teen courts differ from other juvenile justice programs because young people rather than adults determine the disposition, given a broad array of sentencing options made available by adults overseeing the program.
4.Teen court defendants may go through an intake process, a preliminary review of
charges, a court hearing, and sentencing,
as in a regular juvenile court. In a teen court, however, other young people are responsible for much of the process. Charges may be presented to the court by a 15-year-old “prosecutor.” Defendants may be represented by a 16-year-old “defense attorney.” Other youth may serve as jurors, court clerks, and bailiffs.
5.In some teen courts, a youth “judge” (or panel of youth judges) may choose the best disposition or sanction for each case. In a few teen courts, youth even determine whether the facts in a case have been proven by the prosecutor (similar to a finding of guilt).
6.Adults are also involved in teen courts. They often administer the programs, and they are usually responsible for essential functions such as budgeting, planning, and personnel.
7.Teen courts are seen as a potentially effective alternative to traditional juvenile courts staffed with paid professionals such as lawyers, judges, and probation officers. Teen court advocates also point out that the benefits extend beyond defendants. Teen courts may benefit the volunteer youth attorneys and judges, who probably learn more about the legal system than they ever could in a classroom. The presence of a teen court may also encourage the entire community to take a more active role in responding to juvenile crime. Teen courts offer at least four potential benefits:
