January 2020 marks 25 years of service by Pima County Teen Court – a program of Pima Prevention Partnership. Since 1995, Pima County Teen Court has conducted nearly 8,000 cases in minor criminal correction, operating on a peer based system of justice wherein all participants, except for the judge, are teens aged 12-17 who seek to reform through education, restorative justice, and positive peer influence. An alternative to the actual juvenile justice court system, Teen Court is a program for minors who were arrested and readily admitted to their guilt to help understand their behavior, repair the damages their crime had done, and make better life choices. Workshops available include juvenile law, family communication, substance abuse, and anger management. “It is an opportunity for youth to serve their community while working alongside peers from all parts of town,” said Kate Spaulding, Manager of Teen Court. “During this chaotic political season, Teen Court is delighted to report that 98% of jurors said that they felt listened to while serving on the jury and 98% said that when they disagreed they worked through their difference in a positive and construct way.”

Attorney Training starts in June and is free and open to all students who will be in high school next year. Volunteers learn about case theory, opening statements, objections, closing arguments and pass the Teen Court Bar Exam before being inducted into the Teen Court Bar Association (TCBA). The TCBA hold monthly meetings to guide Teen Court programming and offer additional training and fun activities to volunteers. For those who would like to get involved right away, Jury Duty is open to all teens 12 years old up through high school age.

Learn more about Pima County Teen Court at pcteencourt.com and follow them on Facebook!