Marion County Teen Court is designed to interrupt patterns of criminal behavior by promoting positive feelings of self-esteem, motivating self-improvement, and developing a healthy attitude toward authority. Teen Court is based on the philosophy that a youthful offender does not continue to be an offender when a peer jury decides punishment.
Teen Court cases are real cases where an arrest has been made and the charged have been processed through the normal channels of Circuit Court. The Marion County Prosecuting Attorneys and Probation Officers screen cases and when appropriate refer cases to Teen Court. Teen Court is conducted year around.
Defendant Teen Court participation is entirely voluntary and requires a guilty plea prior to participation. This program is available for first time misdemeanor offenders only. Parent or guardian consent is required for participation.
Teen Court requires a cooperative effort among the Marion County Circuit Court judges, the Prosecuting Attorney's office, the Probation office, the Marion County Board of Education and local attorneys. The clerks, bailiffs, attorneys and all jurors are high school and middle school students between the ages of 13 and 18. These volunteers receive instruction and guidance from local attorneys.
Teen Court cases are real cases where an arrest has been made and the charged have been processed through the normal channels of Circuit Court. The Marion County Prosecuting Attorneys and Probation Officers screen cases and when appropriate refer cases to Teen Court. Teen Court is conducted year around.
Defendant Teen Court participation is entirely voluntary and requires a guilty plea prior to participation. This program is available for first time misdemeanor offenders only. Parent or guardian consent is required for participation.
Teen Court requires a cooperative effort among the Marion County Circuit Court judges, the Prosecuting Attorney's office, the Probation office, the Marion County Board of Education and local attorneys. The clerks, bailiffs, attorneys and all jurors are high school and middle school students between the ages of 13 and 18. These volunteers receive instruction and guidance from local attorneys.