What are teen courts? Explain the four models on which teen courts are based.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Teen courts or youth courts are a new way of dealing with relatively young and usually first-time offenders charged with offenses such as theft; vandalism; misdemeanor assault; disorderly conduct; and possession of alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco. As of March 2010, there were 1,050 teen court programs in the United States, up from about 50 in 1991. Connecticut was the only state without at least one teen court as of March 2010.

Teen courts are based on one of four models:
1. Adult judge-An adult serves as judge and rules on legal matters and courtroom procedure. Youths serve as attorneys, jurors, clerks, bailiffs, and so on. Approximately 58 percent of teen courts use the adult judge model.
2. Youth judge-This is similar to the adult judge model, but a youth serves as judge. Approximately 18 percent of teen courts use the youth judge model.
3. Tribunal-Youth attorneys present the case to a panel of three youth judges, who decide the appropriate disposition for the defendant. A jury is not used. Approximately 10 percent of the teen courts use the tribunal model.
4. Peer jury-This model does not use youth attorneys; the case is presented to a youth jury by a youth or adult. The youth jury then questions the defendant directly. Approximately 31 percent of teen courts use the peer jury model.