Teen Court

1. Teen Court Greater Williamson County YMCA Teen Court Created for the WCYMCA Teen Court Available with permission only

2. About Teen Court • Sponsored by the YMCA of Greater Williamson County and Judge Edna Staudt. • All junior high and high school students age 13 and above are invited to participate. • Local attorneys, judges, law enforcement officers and probation officers teach and coach court participants. 

3. Philosophy • Teen Court is a voluntary program, which assists teenage offenders in assuming responsibility for their behavior through involvement in the judicial process and work in the community. • A jury of their peers, sentences them to constructive service in an agency of their choice • This program seeks to deter teens from future unlawful practices, while providing direct experience in the judiciary system and an understanding of their roles in society. • Additionally, the community benefits from these youths’ involvement in their programs.

4. Goals • Hold juvenile offenders responsible for their behavior • Promote a positive attitude of teenagers toward authority • Provide teenage defendants with a positive experience in the judicial system, • Establish positive relationships between the community and its youth • Offer an opportunity for young people to experience the consequences of their behavior without having a juvenile court record • Expose young people to the realism of the judicial process and the consequences of illegal behavior

5. Goals Cont… • Provide an alternative to juvenile court proceedings • Promote feelings of self esteem, motivation for self improvement, and development of healthy attitudes toward authority • Educate the participants about the judicial system • Provide a vehicle for students interested in careers in law enforcement, law and legal services, such as court reporting, to participate in the legal process • Involve the community in the juvenile court process

6. When • Training: One Monday of each month 6:30 p.m. – 8:30p.m. Pizza and drinks provided • Formal Court Sessions: One Monday of each month 6:30p.m. – 8:30p.m. • Refer to Current Schedule

7. Judge • In our teen court the teen judge must meet the following requirements: • Be a senior in high school • Have successfully completed the role of attorney • And must complete the Judicial Training by Judge Staudt

8. Prosecutor • The prosecutor is the acting attorney for the State of Texas and must recommend the punishments of a person charged with a crime. • The objective of the prosecutor is to convince the jury to accept his recommendation on the punishment. This can be done by pointing out the defendant’s lack of responsibility, careless or reckless actions, and disregard for others.  • The prosecutor should influence the panel of jurors to punish the defendant to the extent that is appropriate and proportional to the crime that was committed.

9. Defense Counsel • The defense attorney represents the interest of the defendant who is tried before his peers. • The objective of the defense is to persuade the jurors that the defendant is a responsible person who does not deserve a severe penalty.  • The defense attorney should produce testimony that will support the defendant’s good character standing.

10. Attorney Responsibilities • The attorneys will observe rules of good conduct during proceedings and act in a mature and responsible manner.  • They will meet with the defendant, arresting officer(s) and/or witnesses (whichever is appropriate) and prepare a case as best as possible.  • They will present a fair and honest case.

11. Defendant • Has been adjudicated on a real crime. • Has already been found guilty. • Has chosen to have their case dismissed by participating in Teen Court. • Must comply with teen court requirements and finish the sentence given to them.

12. Bailiff • Is to be the courtroom officer who is in charge of the order in the court session. • Has custody of the jury and assists in communication between the jury that is in deliberation and the Judge.   • Will open the session by presenting the Justice to the court.  “All rise, the Williamson County / YMCA Teen Court is now in session, Judge, presiding.” And administer oaths to jurors and witnesses. • Will follow the instructions of the Judge in regards to keeping order in the courtroom during the proceedings.

13. Court Clerk • The Court Clerk is responsible for assuring that all jurists have completed the confidentiality oath • Is responsible for completing the proper paper work noting the decision of the jury.  • All paperwork should be turned in to the clerk after each session is complete.

14. Jurist • The jurist is the most important participant in the Teen Court Program. • Each person must be willing to give their undivided attention to the Judge, witnesses and to each side of the case before them.  • Characteristics of a jurist are that he/she is unbiased, objective and fair to those involved.  • The jurist listens very carefully to everything presented. • After all testimony is heard, the jury decides a just punishment.

15. Jury Requirements • You are instructed that your recommendation must be unanimous, in deciding the number of community service hours for each offense listed. • The defense has asked for _____ hours and the prosecution is requesting _____ hours. • Knock on the door when a verdict has been reached. The bailiff will advise you when you may return to the courtroom.

16. Discipline GridClass 1 • CLASS 1 (includes but not limited to): • Defective lights/equipment violations. 6 - 18 Hours • No seat belt/no helmet AND 1 Jury Term • Following too closely • No turn signal/improper turn • Speeding 1-10 mph over posted speed

17. Discipline GridClass 2 • CLASS 2 (includes but not limited to): • Driver license violations 10 - 22 • Failure to yield right-of-way AND 1 -2 Jury Terms • Failure to stop at red light/stop sign • Unsafe lane change/unsafe speed • Speeding 11-20 mph over posted speed • Disregard traffic control device • Exhibition of Acceleration • Littering • Disorderly Conduct – Language

18. Discipline GridClass 3 • CLASS 3 (includes but not limited to): • Speeding 21-25 mph over posted speed 5 – 30 hours • Speeding – School zone 1-10 mph AND/OR • over posted speed Driving Saftey Course • Failure to maintain financial responsibility • Failure to identify AND • Curfew Violation 1-2 Jury Terms • Fail to Control Speed

19. Discipline GridClass 4 • CLASS 4 (includes but not limited to): • Driving without a valid Texas Driving License • Speeding >26 mph over posted speed 25 – 50 hours • Racing – contest for speed • Speeding – School zone >11 mph over posted speed • Leaving scene of accident AND/OR • Criminal Mischief, Theft Driving Safety Course • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Anger Management Class • Simple Assault Alcohol Awareness Class • Disorderly Conduct – (except language) • Minor in possession of Alcohol • Minor in consumption of alcohol AND 1 - 2 Jury Terms • Fleeing an Officer

20. Dress Code YES! NO! NO! We require our attorneys and staff to look professional and dress appropriately. • NO blue jeans, shorts, baggy clothing, mini skirts, sleeveless tops, and nothing revealing. • For defendants, the males wear slacks and shirts with collars and the females to wear nice slacks, dresses, or skirts and blouses.

21. Jury Deliberation Questions • Was the conduct malicious or vicious? • Did the defendant regret or feel sorry for committing the offense? • Has the defendant received punishment at home or school? • Was any property destroyed, any money taken, or any people hurt? • Does the defendant have a history of similar conduct? • Do you think the defendant will commit this crime again? • Was the defendant sincere or serious in giving his testimony? • What do you think is an appropriate punishment? • Do you think the defendant will learn a lesson from your decision?

22. Oaths • JURY’S OATH: • Do you and each of you solemnly swear that you will well and truly try the cause about to be submitted to you and a true verdict render therein according to the law and the evidence, • So help you God? • DEFENDANT’S OATH: • Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony you are about to give shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, • So help you God?