Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller

Teen Court is a diversionary program designed as early intervention to deter youthful offenders before a pattern of criminal behavior becomes established. Teen Court is for students in Grades 9-12. Teen Court Too hears cases for children ages 10 years to 14 years old. Teen Court Programs are real courtroom experiences for minors who break the law for the first time. Youthful offenders, who have committed selected misdemeanor offenses and some court-ordered non-violent felonies and have admitted guilt, have their cases heard by a jury of children their own age instead of going to Juvenile Court. Teen Court and Teen Court Too are run by youths for youths. Volunteer youths perform the roles of prosecuting and defense attorneys, clerks, bailiffs, and jury. The Judge is the only adult directly involved in the proceedings. Offenders accept the consequences and responsibility of their actions through community service, serving jury duties, and any other disciplinary measures sanctioned by the Teen Court jury.

TEEN COURT CONTACT INFORMATION

Phone Number	941-741-4027
Fax Number	941-708-6010
E-mail Supervisor

"The program works because it's so simple. Kids won't let other kids 'manipulate the system.' They see through any deception to the heart of the matter. This is truly peer pressure at its finest."
--Circuit Judge Paul Logan

"Teenagers see through their peers' stories and are often more relevant in their judgments than the adult authorities. Teen Court definitely makes an impression."
--Clerk of the Circuit Court R.B. "Chips" Shore

WHEN IS TEEN COURT?

Teen Court is held on Tuesday evenings at the Manatee County Courthouse.
Trial preparation begins at 5:15 p.m.
The actual Court session begins at 6:00 p.m. and, in most cases, is completed by 7:00 p.m.
Court sessions are held on the 3rd floor of the Courthouse in real court rooms.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Page Last Updated 05/15/2006

Parents write in appreciation of Teen Court