Volunteers & Their Roles

Jury Members
Members of the jury listen closely to the facts of the cases to collectively and unanimously decide an appropriate sentence for the defendant. Sentences are chosen from a menu of sanctions.

Jury Monitors
The jury monitor is an adult who sits with the jury during the hearing and during deliberations. They help to facilitate the sentencing process and to redirect any inappropriate behavior.

Youth Attorneys
The attorneys recieve their cases in the mail about once a week before the hearing. The defense and prosecution prepare opening statements, questions for the defendant, and closing statements. Attorneys must attend training.

Mentor Attorneys
Any practicing attorney can mentor the youth attorneys. Mentors aid the youth in preparing and refining their cases and give them feedback.

Clerks/Bailiffs
The clerk/bailiff announces the cases, helps keep order in the courtroom, and swears in the witnesses. They act as a liason between the judge and the teen court staff.

Judges
Any attorney or judge can preside over teen court hearings. The teen court staff provides a script to follow and the night's court docket. The judge may add to the proceedings as s/he deems necessary.

Exit Interviewers
The main goal of the exit interviewer is to ensure that the defendant and his/her family understand the sentence. The interviewer meets with the family following the hearing and explains all aspects of the sentence, including dates for completion.