Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Council of Saratoga Springs, NY

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Youth Court Receives Liberty Bell Award. Pictured from left to right are Assistant District Attorney Bill Reynolds, Prevention Council Executive Director Judy Ekman, Youth Court Officers Kyle Greenleaf and Danielle Charbonneau, and Youth Court Director Lisa Chamberlain.

Purpose
The Saratoga County Youth Court is an alternative to the criminal justice system for young people who have committed a crime or an offense in our community. Youth Court works to correct antisocial and criminal behavior and to prevent such behavior from getting worse, with a success rate of 80 percent completion or better. Youthful offenders typically complete their Youth Court sentence successfully, and the recidivism rate is very low for those who have been through Youth Courts. The Youth Court's goal is to help participants gain a greater sense of justice and respect for themselves, their neighbors, and the law. Youth Court also trains young people who want to become members of the court.

What happens in Youth Court? Youth Court is strictly a sentencing court for youth who have admitted guilt to a crime or an offense in a city or town court. After being referred to Youth Court, the youth appears for a sentencing hearing before a jury of peers. The jury hears evidence dealing with sentencing, deliberates, and passes a sentence.

What types of cases are heard in Youth Court? Most cases involve an offender who has committed his or her first, non-violent offense. Typical cases include shoplifting, criminal mischief, larceny, and vandalism. Cases are referred by judges, police, and probation departments to the Youth Court director, who accepts cases that meet established rules.

What is the benefit of participating in Youth Court? Do offenders waive any rights by participating in Youth Court? By agreeing to participate in Youth Court, an offender obtains certain benefits and waives certain rights. Benefits include a decision by a jury of peers that's aimed at helping the young person permanently stop their criminal conduct, as well as an opportunity to participate positively in the criminal justice system. Since an offender has already pled guilty, an offender gives up the following rights when they take part in Youth Court: the right to an attorney, the right to a trial for determination of guilt, and the right to ask for a closed and private meeting.

Who participates in Youth Court proceedings? With guidance from Youth Court staff and area law enforcement officials, Youth Court proceedings involve an offender, jurors, and court officials in the roles of judge, prosecutor, defender, clerk/bailiff, and jury foreperson. All participants are under age 18.

Who trains the court officials?
Trainers include police, lawyers, victims' rights advocates and other professionals. The training program concludes with mock hearings to prepare members for participation in Youth Court proceedings.

Who can serve on a Youth Court jury?
Any young person can volunteer to be a juror and no special training is necessary. Jurors will hear and see the evidence, listen to instructions from the judge, consider the case in private, and agree on a sentence.

What kind of sentences does the jury hand out? The jury can impose a sentence that includes community service, counseling, letters of apology or attendance at classes or workshops. Emphasis is placed the improvement of past behavior. The jury cannot sentence any youth to a detention or jail facility.

Who can be a member of Youth Court? How do you become one? Members of Youth Court are young people who have successfully completed 18 hours of law-related education, participatory training, and mock trials. A two-day training is offered annually in November of each school year. Members who satisfactorily complete the training serve in progressively challenging court roles. Students who are interested in the court but are unable to participate in training may volunteer as jurors. All participants must agree to maintain confidentiality in all Youth Court matters.

What is the benefit of becoming a Youth Court official?
By participating in the criminal justice system, teen volunteers gain a better understanding of our laws and how the system works. Members also gain public speaking skills and debate techniques while providing an important service to their peers and their community.

What roles do Youth Court officials play? Youth Court members will serve in the following roles on a rotating basis:

Judge - presides over the sentencing hearing, explains the criminal charge to the jury, instructs the jury on what evidence and factors to consider in deciding a sentence, and sentences the offender in accordance with the jury's verdict.

Prosecutor - represents the interests of the people in the community, investigates the circumstances of the offense and background of the offender, presents evidence at the sentencing hearing, and recommends a sentence to the jury.

Defender - represents the interests of the offender, investigates the circumstances of the offense and background of the offender, presents evidence at the sentencing hearing, including mitigating evidence, and makes a sentencing recommendation to the jury.

Clerk/Bailiff - maintains accurate records of court proceedings, ensures smooth operation of court, and administers oaths.

Jury Foreperson - leads deliberations of the jury, and ensures participation of all jurors and that all appropriate sentencing factors are addressed, calls for a vote during deliberations, and announces the jury's verdict.

Where can I go to get more information? For more information, contact Lisa Chamberlain at 518-581-1230 or via e-mail at lisac@preventioncouncil.org.

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