Wednesday, April 5, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Paula Nessel, ABA Division for Public Education
Jennifer Bloom, Minnesota Center for Community Legal Education
Janice Cowin, Alabama Center of Law and Civic Education
Paula Erickson, Phi Alpha Delta Public Service Center
Learn about the opportunities for and benefits of creating or supporting youth courts,
one of the fastest-growing law-related education programs. Also known as teen court,
student court, and peer jury, these are courts where young people decide the sentences for
youth who have committed minor offenses. Youth courts have proliferated through a
grass-roots movement initiated by legal and community leaders who believe young people can
help each other in turning away from delinquent behavior to become productive members of
their communities. Youth courts also help participants learn about our justice system and
their role in making it work.
The federal government is funding many resources to support and enhance youth courts,
including a youth volunteer training package, national guidelines, a national conference,
and lawyer/law student volunteer recruitment. You will receive an overview of these
activities, as well as the opportunity to talk with state law-related education leaders
involved in the creation of both school- and community-based youth courts.
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