About
The goal of the Teen Court program is to teach our youth critical thinking, responsibility, accountability, and leadership to prevent future delinquent actions.
Teen Court is a program that offers youth offenders (defined as respondents) an important second chance to learn from their mistake without the high cost and stigma of a criminal record. It is a real justice program run by teens for teens. Youth aged 13 through 17 who have committed a delinquent act (generally a misdemeanor) appear before a jury of their peers. These peers must live in or attend school in Anne Arundel County.
The delinquent act is usually a first offense, and the respondent must admit involvement (guilt) since this is a disposition (sentencing) hearing only. Teen Court is offered as a positive experience to divert a first-time youth offender away from a pattern of criminal behavior. Offenses generally include theft, vandalism, possession of alcohol, assault, etc.
In Teen court, volunteer teens perform the roles of the clerk and jury. After hearing the case, the teen jury determines a disposition for the offense based upon sentencing guidelines. After careful consideration of the facts, the jury deliberates and decides upon a constructive disposition, potentially including community service hours, educational programs, essays and/or apology letters.