First Teen Court Opens in Red Academy

The Red Academy (ALGPS) is having its very own Teen Court Program, in which teens get to be part of the jury to improve the lives of teen offenders who have committed misdemeanor crimes. If you are interested in one day becoming a lawyer, judge or interested in the legal system, Teen Court is an incredible opportunity to have an educational experience with the legal process.

Junior Alanis Ortega said, “I had a great time attending a teen court trial last year and it’s a great learning experience if you want to have a career pathway in law.”

Teen court offers an opportunity to help teenage individuals that are participating in criminal behavior to have a chance to reflect and correct their actions.

Teen court consists of an actual judge, patrol officer and teen jury members. Cases in the court are real cases that otherwise would end up in regular court.

The court begins with the judge explaining the offense committed by the teen offender, which could consist of a misdemeanor crime such as vandalism, petty theft, or an assault. The jury can question the offender after listening and receiving the facts then the juries will come together and decide on a sentence for the offender. The defendant might get could be to do community service, receive counseling, or write apology letters to those affected.

“These people that are put on trial get to learn that everything we do has a consequence, but they are given a second chance to learn from their mistakes and do good,” said junior Yisel Maya.

The offender has to accomplish the complete sentence given by the jury and receives a report that’s sent to the state’s attorney office.

Teen Court has a partnership with LA Superior Court. It started last year with history and law teacher Mr. Cawood as the supervisor. The club received a schedule for Court trials at Susan Miller Dorsey High School, who also has a Teen Court program. Last year’s club members were able to gain experience by attending those scheduled cases.

“I hope students would have an invested interest in our society and workings of our government and our judicial system, this year will be exciting because we will have actual court cases with three judges attending off and on throughout the year, and students will be able to see justice in action,” said Mr.Cawood.

Teen court is available to any high school student who wants join. Club meetings are set every Tuesday during high school lunch in Room D211.