Are teen courts a good idea

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: