Granville County has instituted a new response to juvenile delinquency. Thanks to funding provided by Granville County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, NC Cooperative Extension will institute a Teen Court program in the county. Teen Court gives first time offenders between the ages of 10 and 17 a second chance yet holds them accountable for offenses committed in Granville County. Teen Court is a court in which youth offenders can be heard by a jury of their peers.The purpose of the court is not to determine a verdict; those sent to court have already been determined guilty or pleaded no contest. It is instead to determine the consequences for the offense. The consequences range from community service to educational programs, depending upon the offense. Teen volunteers, ages 13 to 17, act as defense attorney, prosecuting attorney, bailiff, clerk and jury. The only participating adult in the courtroom is the judge. Teen Court will be held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month at Granville County Court House.
Teen Court is now recruiting volunteers! Who Can Volunteer?
Students-If you are a middle or high school student in Granville County, YOU are eligible to volunteer. Volunteer hours look great on college applications!
Adults-Parents or any other adults may serve as jury monitors, courtroom monitors, or exit interviewers
College and Law Students-Individuals, clubs and Greek organizations can receive credit for performing community service hours and gain experience with the criminal justice system.
Attorneys and Judges- Serve as mentor attorneys or preside over hearings. Volunteer as often as twice a month or as little as once every four months.
If you are interested in volunteering for Granville County Teen Court contact Charissa Puryear at 603-1350 or charissa_puryear@ncsu.edu. Applications will be available at all Granville County Middle and High School offices and are currently available at Cooperative Extension Office at 208 Wall Street, Oxford, NC.
LINK TO 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SECTION OF THE 2009 REPORT TO THE PEOPLE
