TEEN VOLUNTEERS

In addition to offering juvenile offenders an alternative sentence, Teen Court provides teens who are interested in law enforcement or a career in law the opportunity to learn to try real cases filed in the City of Arlington Municipal Court. Volunteers are key to the success of Teen Court. All volunteers earn community service credit that can be applied to requirements at school and college applications. Teen Court is always in need of mature, dependable youth for Teen Court to run efficiently and benefit youth offenders and the community.  There are numerous roles for youth to fill in a courtroom proceeding.

Teen Volunteer Application (pdf)

Volunteer students serve as prosecuting attorneys, defense attorneys, bailiffs and jurors.  A new and inexperienced attorney is assigned with an experienced attorney for the first few cases and/or until the youth is comfortable.  Youth acting as attorneys must be willing to come to court prepared to present their case. Case paperwork must be handled in a confidential manner.  Student attorneys develop opening and closing statements and questions for direct and cross-examination, as well as for any witnesses that may testify.  

PROSECUTOR: The prosecutor's role is to represent the state, to represent the public interest by requesting a sentence that is strict but fair, to avoid playing judge, and to maintain respect for the judicial system.

DEFENSE COUNSEL: The role of defense counsel is to represent a client zealously within the bounds of the law. The defense counsel must not represent an offender if his or her ability to represent effectively is impaired. Like the prosecutor, the defense counsel has the duty to maintain public respect for the judicial system.

BAILIFF: The bailiff introduces the judge, seats the jury in the jury box, and delivers and deceives documents to and from the judge.  Upon completion of the hearing, the bailiff leads the jury to the deliberation room and monitors the jury at all times. After deliberation, the bailiff leads the jury back into the courtroom. The bailiff is also responsible for maintaining order in the courtroom and assisting the judge upon request.

JUROR: Student volunteers from ages 13 to high school and offenders meeting the requirements of their constructive sentence serve as members of the jury pool. The jury considers the evidence presented and using a grid based on the offense to reach a unanimous decision determining the constructive sentence. 

BENEFITS:

• Community service credit
• Finding success in an area not related to academics
• Training and practice in public speaking
• Develop skills in areas of problem solving and critical and strategic thinking
• Understanding of the concept of actions having consequences

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