Teen Court Programs Should Be Established - 1034 Words

â€Å"It helped me realize I was not around the right crowd and got me on the right path for my future,† states Emmalyne Sheridan, a current WVU freshman and experiencer of the teen court process. Teen courts are legally binding, sentence based courts for first time low-level juvenile offenders that aim to build character instead of issuing punishments. These courts consist of juveniles holding positions such as clerk, prosecuting and defence attorneys, bailiff, and the jury. The entire process is completed with little adult involvement resulting in an almost completely teen run system. Some may argue that these programs are useless and just delay the process of actual teen reformation, but this is not the case. Teen court programs should be established and utilized in all jurisdictions because of their use of reform over punishment, influence, and establishment of a future pathway. Teen Court’s successes first derive from the aspect of using sentencing as a way of pers onal reform instead of just by punishment. This gives the program the ability to have a greater impact on these first-time offenders because they are given the opportunity to think about their actions and correct their wrongdoings. First-time offenders, teens who do not have a juvenile record, are typically kids who get involved with the wrong crowd and commit crimes such as underage drinking or shoplifting. These special court cases are not a determination of innocence or guilt, but a way of determining theShow MoreRelatedAccording To T. Williams At Https://Www.Nytimes.Com/2016/12/29/Us/Us-Prison-Population.Html?_R=0,1236 Words   |  5 Pagesadult crimes seem to be decreasing. The opposite can be said about juvenile related crimes which seem to be increasing. In this paper, I will be providing my reasons as to why I believe juvenile related crimes are going up, as well as talk about two programs that are working to keep at risk youth out of the criminal justice system. To start with I will be providing my opinion as to why juvenile related crimes are increasing. I do believe that the number one cause of juvenile related crimes is due toRead MoreEssay on Should Juveniles be Tried as Adults1503 Words   |  7 PagesHolden 5 Should Juveniles be Tried as Adults? Juveniles deserve to be tried the same as adults when they commit certain crimes. The justice systems of America are becoming completely unjust and easy to break through. Juvenile courts haven’t always been known to the everyday person. The Illinois Juvenile Court Act of 1899 was the first juvenile court established in the United States (Locked Up†¦). The juvenile court was created to handle the offenders on the basis on their rather than their crimeRead MoreThree Ways Police and Probation Officers can Reduce Gang Violence1334 Words   |  6 Pageslower gang violence is by implementing laws more accordingly, establishing a relationship with troubled youth, and creating programs that benefit their well-being. The root of gang violence all begins at home and then spreads. A troubled teen may be lacking the love and attention from their parent whether it is because they work too much, or simply do not care. Then, the teen will result attending school and will begin to find that comfort in places that they can feel stability. According to RamseyRead MoreSharing Is Not Always Caring1406 Words   |  6 PagesTweeting, texting, Instagram-ing and publishing life’s â€Å"fails† and funnies are the teen social norm and staple to the lines of communication between other teens. Creativity is put to the test when language is turned into code (wyd, rotflmbo, ie.) and electronic communication between people sitting across the table from each other becomes a matter of national security. A peaceful co-existence between adults and teens continues as long as â€Å"actual† communication between both parties is kept to a minimumRead MoreCultural Change Of The Vietnam War1387 Words   |  6 PagesAs America was fighting a war for freedom in another country, unruly teens were fighting their own at home. Cultural change, the explosion of free love, youthful rebellion, and a new liberal mindset all seemed to have one underlying device in common; drug use. The late 1960’s into the early and mid-70’s found the perfect environment for recreational drug use. Music and arts celebrated this lifestyle, as well as free thinkers and their idiotic philosophies about spiritual elation through mind alteringRead MoreThe Child Abuse Prevention And Treatment Of Act1184 Words   |  5 Pagesleaving her homeless once again. Living on the streets was hard and as a young teen she was often the target by older men. It was not until she got into a car accident after running away from a potential kidnapping that Apple finally got the help and support she needed from the hospital priest. This priest quickly became a blessing to her and got her in contact with a shelter that dealt strictly with pregnant teens. Soon after moving into this shelter, Apple finally got the ‘family’ she had alwaysRead MoreChildhood Obesity : The United States For Children1263 Words   |  6 Pagesthrough eighth grade student should be engaged in at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily† (Recess and Physical Activity). In spite of being clearly stated in policy and described in detail, many of the school-age children in North Carolina are still suffering from poor health. Based on the above information and recent research, the North Carolina State Board of Education needs to revise th eir policy on physical education. The new policy should state that school-age childrenRead MoreThe Most Common Juvenile Crimes Essay2062 Words   |  9 Pagesetc. Juvenile delinquents are kids or teens from the ages of ten to seventeen who commit a crime. Teen crime has actually decreased by more than half from where it was ten years ago. Juvenile delinquents are not much of a problem as they were ten years ago. People who support the juvenile court system argue that juveniles should be sentenced on how severe the crime was; however, child advocates argue that juveniles should be given treatment. Therefore should children under the age of seventeen beRead MoreRaising The Age1517 Words   |  7 Pageshistory, there were very little made to distinguish criminal responsibility of children versus that of adults. During this time, juveniles, some young as seven years old could be tried and prosecuted within an adult criminal court. Children would have to stand for trial in court base d on the offenses they committed, and could then be sentenced to prison and sometimes possibly even capital punishment. Is this form of justice beneficial to minors, or does it just obstruct their futures? Children, asRead MoreThe City Of Arlington And The Boys And Girls Club Essay1827 Words   |  8 PagesGirls Club of Arlington established the Arlington Teen Court. It works in conjunction with the Arlington Municipal Court and is considered a specialized court for youth. The program was designed to prevent teens between the ages of 14 to 18, from developing a pattern of committing crimes. It aimed to reduce teen offenses, allow teens to be held accountable for their actions, and to educate teens on the justice system. The City of Arlington Teen Court program offers first time teen-offenders who commit