- Published: September 15, 2022
- Updated: September 15, 2022
- University / College: University of Alberta
- Level: Masters
- Language: English
- Downloads: 1
The Teen Court juvenile diversion program
Under this program, young teenagers who have pleaded guilty of minor crimes are taken to a court that is run by teenagers who act as judges, attorneys, and bailiffs. The Teen Court then sets the punishment for the offenders, which include community service, touring a jail, writing apology letters or essay on assigned topics, or attending school regularly (Boys Scout of America, 2010).
The main mission of the Teen Court is to change the behavior of offenders while its goal is to deter the offenders from breaking the goal again (Boys Scout of America, 2010).
The Teen Court is effective since it is teenagers who offer judgment and punishment to the offenders. In addition, giving the fact that defendants must also serve in the court as judges, there is less likelihood that they will take part in crime again since they would also have participated in punishing a crime (Boys Scout of America, 2010).
Enhancing the Teen Court
In order to enhance the effectiveness of the program, repeat crime either minor or major should warrant for formal prosecution at the juvenile justice system. Secondly, the program should ensure that teenagers who participate in the court proceedings are sourced from other regions so that they remain unknown to the court offenders and hence give an opportunity for a fair ruling.
