Students enrolled in East Meadow High School’s law classes are utilizing their newly acquired knowledge to serve on the Nassau County Youth Court. Drawn from the school’s Introduction to Law class, these volunteers are trained through the district attorney’s office to take on the roles of prosecutor, defense attorney, bailiff, clerk and juror during Youth Court hearings at the Hempstead Village Court. The volunteers attend an interview at the district attorney’s office, and those chosen for Youth Court must then train during a two-day seminar in the summer.
The goal of Youth Court – a forum which allows teens accused of minor crimes to be judged and punished by their peers – is to assist teens under the age of 17 to stay out of the criminal justice system, to take responsibility for their actions and to reconnect with the community. The sentences by Youth Court volunteers are honored and can include mandatory community service, oral and written apologies, essays, Youth Court jury duty, restitution, curfew or mediation.
Youth Court volunteer Briyenna Souter, who wants to pursue law when she attends college, commented that the program lays solid groundwork for a prospective career as an attorney. Vidya Laljie, who wants to pursue a career in criminal justice, commented that it is interesting how the defendants learn from their mistakes and respond to their verdicts and sentencing.
Justin Schloss, who has been a Youth Court volunteer for two years, also plans on a career in criminal justice. “It is interesting to see how the justice system works and how we, as Youth Court volunteers, can help,” he stated.
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