Teen Court/Peer Court

Teen Court is an innovative program which allows first-time violators of the law to come before their peers instead of going to Juvenile Court. This court stresses that positive peer pressure will be able to correct illegal behavior. The court does this by putting the offender, who had already admitted guilt, on trial. The participants make the program unique; everyone in the courtroom except the judge is a student. Students get to be the attorneys, clerks, bailiffs, and/or jurors.

Roles in Teen Court

Prosecuting Attorney: A prosecutor has the responsibility to seek justice and to seek a sentence based on the severity of the offense committed. This teen prepares the case, gives an opening statement, questions the defendant, and gives a closing argument to the jury, pointing out reasons they should recommend a particular sentence.

Defense Attorney: A defense attorney represents the client. This teen prepares the case, gives an opening statement, objects to any questioning by the prosecuting attorney that is believed wrong, questions the defendant, and presents a closing argument to the jury.

Bailiff: The primary duties of the bailiff are to assist the judge and maintain order in the courtroom at all times.

Court Clerk: The clerk is responsible for recording the action taken by the court.

Jury Member: Jury duty is a privilege and a serious responsibility. A juror is required to base the verdict on the evidence as heard in court. The sentence should be designed to hold the defendants responsible for their actions. A juror must be able to treat each case individually and without prejudice and perform honestly, without fear or favor.

Teen Court volunteers must meet
the following criteria

• Must be between the ages of 13 and 18
• Must be in good academic standing
• Must abide by the rules of the program
• Must sign and respect the "Oath of Confidentiality"
• Must demonstrate maturity and sensitivity

If you are a teen who is interested in volunteering for Teen Court, complete the Teen Volunteer Application. Mail your completed Teen Court Application to the address shown and mark it 'Attention Teen Court'.

Within our Teen Court Program, the State Attorney's Office also administers the Peer Court Program.

2015 Teen Court Schedule

January 13 & 27

February 10 & 24

March 10 & 31

April 14 & 28

May 12

June 16 & 30

July 14 & 28

August 11 & 25

September 15 & 29

October 13 & 27

November 17

December 8

• VIERA TEEN COURT WILL BE CONDUCTED ON THE 3RD FLOOR OF THE MOORE JUSTICE CENTER (VIERA COURTHOUSE) 2825 JUDGE FRAN JAMIESON WAY, VIERA FL 32904
• MELBOURNE TEEN COURT WILL BE CONDUCTED AT THE MELBOURNE COURTHOUSE LOCATED ON 51 NIEMAN AVENUE #100, MELBOURNE FL 32901  
• ALL TEEN COURTS WILL BEGIN AT 6:00PM – ALL VOLUNTEERS NEED TO REPORT AND SIGN IN WITH THE TEEN COURT COORDINATOR BY 5:30PM

Brevard County Teen Court Locations

Vassar B. Carlton
Titusville Historic Courthouse
506 Palm Avenue
Titusville, Florida 32796

Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Justice Center
2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, Florida 32940

Melbourne Courthouse
50 Nieman Avenue
Melbourne, Florida 32935
For more information on Brevard County Teen Court, call (321) 617-7294.
For more information on Seminole County Teen Court, call (407) 665-5364.

Peer Court

Tied to our Teen Court Program, Peer Court is a program for first time non-violent juvenile offenders whom acknowledge guilt of retail theft offenses. Trained teen volunteers comprise a panel and determine the offender's sentence. Successful completion of the program will result in the charges against the youth being no filed. Seminole County's peer court is funded and operated by Seminole County Government. In Brevard County, the program is administered by the State Attorney's Office.

For more information on Brevard County Peer Court, call (321) 617-7294.
For more information on Seminole County Peer Court, call (407) 665-5364.

Teen Court Brochure

  Visit us on facebook at Brevard County Teen Court