What is Teen Court?

Teen Court is a juvenile diversion program created for juveniles who have no previous juvenile court record and who become involved in minor violations of the law. Youth offenders, between the ages of 11 and 16, who commit certain specified minor misdemeanors, and who are willing to admit responsibility at the outset appear before a jury of high school age teenagers. Any high school student in grades 9 through 12 can serve as a Teen Court juror. After questioning the youth offender and his/her parent(s) or guardian, the "Teen Jury" determines an appropriate disposition, which cannot involve any form of detention. Dispositions typically include community service, oral and/or written apologies, restitution if applicable, maintenance of acceptable school attendance and grades, and may also include mandatory participation in counseling services.

How does the program work?

This program is multi purpose. Obviously it allows the youth offender who successfully completes the program to avoid having a juvenile record. Moreover, it has been demonstrated across the country that juveniles whose cases are heard in Teen Court have a lower recidivism rate than youths who go through the formal court system. The Teen Jury's ability to relate to the youth offender also encourages a more meaningful determination of consequences for the youth.

How can teens participate in the program?

Another purpose of this program is to solicit the involvement of teens in their community and offer them an opportunity to have an impact on what happens to their peers. The program encourages teens to take an active role in the community in which they live. Teen Court Jurors participate in a responsible and meaningful role as they deliberate over real life cases.

How can teens find out more about the criminal justice system?

As Teen Court is presented to high schools in various communities of Wayne County, it serves to educate youths about the juvenile justice system. Through Teen Court presentations, youths learn about how the criminal justice system works, differences between the adult system and the juvenile system, the difference between real life criminal justice systems and those portrayed on television, which is an important source of information for youths today.

Where are teen courts in Wayne County?

Teen Courts are currently operating in the 29th District Court, using teen jurors from Wayne Memorial High School in the City of Wayne, and the 33rd District Court using teen jurors from Woodhaven High School. Future locations will include Dearborn and Highland Park. Teen Courts are generally held one to two sessions per month in each jurisdiction. Please call Brian Morrow (313-833-3106) or Kathleen Svoboda (313-833-3122) for further details and confirmation of specific Teen Court dates.

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