FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is there a dress code?
Teen Court is a formal and very serious place, commanding respect from all who participate in its proceedings. All participants (defendants, parents/guardians, guests and volunteers) are required to adhere to the following dress and behavior code.

The following is enforced for all defendants, jurors, and volunteers:
No caps or hats
No short shorts or short skirts
No tank tops or exposed midriffs
No inappropriate logos on shirts
No tom or dirty clothing
No sagging pants or exposed underwear
No beepers or cell phones

Teen Court reserves the right to refuse involvement to anyone who does not abide by the dress code.

What are the punishments for a particular offense?
Punishment consists of a specific number of hours of community service and a required number of terms as a Teen Court Juror. The Teen Court Jury assesses community service based on the evidence presented.

A range of hours for each offense is defined by a grid system which is based on the nature of the offense. The Discipline Grid provides the range for the most common offenses and can include those not mentioned.

What happens if I don’t finish?
You will be required to go back to the judge who initially allowed you to participate in Teen Court. It is at the judge’s discretion whether you are given additional time to complete your sentence or if you will have to pay the fine and be found guilty.

Is Teen Court real?
Yes. The cases are real and so are the consequences. The Teen Court judge has the power to remove from the courtroom any disruptive or disrespectful courtroom observers or participants.

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