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Trial by teen

In Brunswick County Teen Court, juvenile offenders really do plead their cases before their peers: The attorneys, jurors, bailiff, and clerk-ofcourt are all students.

Jurors deliberate over testimony and evidence.

“Teen Court provides first-time juvenile offenders a peer review of their cases as an alternative to juvenile court,” notes John Kelso, whose Southport-Oak Island, North Carolina, Kiwanis club, is an ardent supporter of the program. In addition to positive peer pressure, the program offers a hands-on opportunity for participants to learn about the legal system, John says.

Court convenes monthly in the Brunswick County Courthouse. A real judge or an attorney presides while teen volunteers fill the other roles. Kiwanians act as consultants to the teens.

During each trial, the offender enters a guilty plea and answers questions from student-attorneys. The offender also has the opportunity to present testimony from character witnesses. The jury then deliberates and imposes a sentence.

“The whole process empowers youth to take responsibility for problems of crimes and violence in their own schools and communities,” says Glenda Ansley, who serves as the county’s Teen Court coordinator.

Empowerment is one element of the program that attracted the Kiwanis club, says John. “In addition to providing advisors, the club awards two Teen Court college scholarships and throws an annual picnic for all of the seniors from the three participating high schools and their parents.”