Agenda - 12-16-1997 - 10e - Laserfiche WebLink

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Report on the Teen Court Pry 11 defense attorney and prosecutor. The attorneys present evidence relevant to whether the elements of the offense are met, and the jury considers such evidence when deciding on the appropriate sentence. The attorneys present closing arguments and sentence recommendations to the jury, which comprises six members. Since the offender admits guilt, the jury's duty during deliberations is to arrive at a unanimous verdict on a "Constructive Sentence," using the recommended guidelines for the specific offense, and considering what the evidence shows the offense to be. Offenders are generally expected to complete the sentence within two months. However, no fixed time limit has been established, and the time frame for completion varies with the sentence requirements. Performance of jury duties is monitored by the Teen Court Coordinator, and progress on community service work and tutorial sessions is monitored by Durham's Community Service Coordinator. If the sentence is not completed, the Teen Court Coordinator reports this fact to the referral source. Participants Cumberland County. All non-offender participants in Teen Court hearings are volunteers who undergo training or instruction prior to serving. Currently, seven attorneys and three district court judges volunteer their time to serve as judges for Teen Court hearings. In addition, 12 adult volunteers serve as adult bailiffs and monitors. All of the remaining participants are juveniles: the prosecutor, the defense attorney, the jurors, the court clerk, and the student bailiff. The extent to which student volunteers have become involved with the program is evidenced by the numbers of juveniles who have been trained for the non-offender roles. To date, approximately 300 students have been trained as jurors. Of these, approximately 90 have received additional training as attorneys (students are trained to assume both prosecutor and defense attorney roles, and are encouraged to serve in both capacities), and 40 have been instructed as court clerks and bailiffs. Buncombe County. To date, approximately three district court judges and four attorneys have volunteered to preside over Teen Court proceedings. Students who volunteer to serve as jurors receive over four hours of training. In addition, those who serve as prosecuting or defense attorneys receive over four more hours of training for those roles. One student has been trained as a bailiff, and works with an adult bailiff in the courtroom during teen court sessions. The Teen Court program has generated substantial interest on the part of students, with approximately 200 students so far having been trained as jurors. By the end of January 1995, over ten students had received additional training as attorneys, and many more had been scheduled for attorney training. Durham County. Thus far, three district court judges have volunteered to serve as Teen Court judges. All other participants, including a bailiff and clerk, are peers, and efforts are made to ensure that Teen Court participants are representative of the diversity in the Durham Public School system. Approximately 30 members of the Durham County Bar have volunteered their time and expertise to assist with training for Teen Court. Prior to participation, volunteer jurors receive training, and those who volunteer to serve as attorneys,