
What Are the Benefits of Teen Court?
For the Defendant
· Juveniles brought before teen court and successfully complete sanctions will have no legal
record for the offense
· Defendants learn to accept responsibility for their actions, learn good citizenship and
receive assistance through referrals to community resources through their sanctions
· Long term behavioral changes are promoted which leads to enhanced public safety
· Negative labeling is reduced and the risk of recidivism is reduced
For Teen Court Volunteers
· Youth interested in careers in law, criminal justice, law enforcement, etc., can be educated
about the American system of justice
· Students are empowered to take an active role in addressing crime in their community
· Teen Court builds competencies among youth through training to handle various courtroom
roles and improves communication and problem solving skills
· Offers an opportunity for students to fulfill community service requirements for school
For the Community
· Reduces crimes committed by middle and high school students in local community
· Strengthens the family unit through community service referrals
· Reduces intake of counselors, juvenile court and district court so they can focus on more
serious young offenders
· Promotes community service and restitution as a means of restorative justice for the victim
and the community
· Promotes community collaboration by involving community agencies and volunteers
· Reflects a positive collaboration of school, law enforcement and the community
For the Defendant
· Juveniles brought before teen court and successfully complete sanctions will have no legal
record for the offense
· Defendants learn to accept responsibility for their actions, learn good citizenship and
receive assistance through referrals to community resources through their sanctions
· Long term behavioral changes are promoted which leads to enhanced public safety
· Negative labeling is reduced and the risk of recidivism is reduced
For Teen Court Volunteers
· Youth interested in careers in law, criminal justice, law enforcement, etc., can be educated
about the American system of justice
· Students are empowered to take an active role in addressing crime in their community
· Teen Court builds competencies among youth through training to handle various courtroom
roles and improves communication and problem solving skills
· Offers an opportunity for students to fulfill community service requirements for school
For the Community
· Reduces crimes committed by middle and high school students in local community
· Strengthens the family unit through community service referrals
· Reduces intake of counselors, juvenile court and district court so they can focus on more
serious young offenders
· Promotes community service and restitution as a means of restorative justice for the victim
and the community
· Promotes community collaboration by involving community agencies and volunteers
· Reflects a positive collaboration of school, law enforcement and the community