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TEEN COURT
Teen Court is an innovative program which allows first-time juvenile offenders, who have committed a misdemeanor crime, attend a sentencing hearing instead of being prosecuted through the formal Juvenile Court System. What makes this program unique is that everyone in the courtroom, except the judge, are teens! Students get to participate in the roles of the prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, court deputy, clerk and jurors.
The Prosecution Alternatives for Youth (P.A.Y.) Program selects the cases presented in Teen Court. All defendants must plead guilty to their charge, testify and agree to the sentence imposed by the Teen Court Jury.
QUALIFICATIONS
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Age 13-17
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A Student in good academic standing
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Demonstrate maturity and professionalism
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Abide by the Oath of Confidentiality
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Abide by the Teen Court Dress Code Policy
BENEFITS
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Make a meaningful difference in your community
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Education on the criminal justice system
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Provides hands-on educational experience
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Earn community service hours for the Bright Future’s Scholarship
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Networking with state/local government officials
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Develop strong interpersonal skills
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Promotes civic duty and involvement
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Practice professionalism for your future career
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Looks great on a college application or resume
HISTORY
According to the National Association of Youth Courts, the 1st Teen Court program was established in Naperville, Illinois in 1972.
The 1st Florida Teen Court program was established in Sarasota County in 1988.
Seminole County Teen Court was established in 1995 and Brevard County Teen Court in 1996.
In 1999, Brevard County Teen Court was featured on America’s Most Wanted as a model example for other programs.
Currently there are over 1,200 Teen Court programs nationwide.
LOCATIONS
Brevard County Teen Court is conducted on Tuesday evenings located at:
Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Justice Center
2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, Florida 32940
Seminole County Teen Court is conducted on Tuesday evenings located at:
Seminole County Juvenile Justice Center
190 Bush Blvd.
Sanford, FL 32773
HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER
If you are interested in volunteering for the Brevard County Teen Court program, please complete the Teen Court Application. You can mail your completed application to the address listed below or bring it with you when you first plan to attend Teen Court. Please refer to the Teen Court Schedule.
Office of the State Attorney
Attention: Teen Court
2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Bldg. D
Viera, FL 32940
If you are interested in volunteering for the Seminole County Teen Court program, please complete an online application:
http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/comsrvs/pay/teencourt.aspx
For more information on Brevard County Teen Court, please call (321) 617-7294
For more information on Seminole County Teen Court, call (407) 665-5364
Teen Court Brochure
Visit us on Facebook at Brevard County Teen Court
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