The Sixth Division (Juvenile Court) will host a mini law camp from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at the Jack Jones Juvenile Justice Center, 301 E. Second Ave.
The camp will be held in recognition of September as Teen Court Month. The teen court program generally runs from September through April.
In Jefferson County, court hearings are held on the second and fourth Mondays at 4 p.m. The program is open to all area students in grades 9 through 12.
“The Jefferson County Teen Court program gives first-time offenders, between the ages of 10 and 17, a second chance, yet holds them accountable for their actions,” according to a news release. “The defendant must stand before a jury of their peers, plead guilty and accept the sanctions they impose. 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.”
Youth volunteers committed approximately 800 hours of service to the program, Jeffrey Billingsley, Jefferson County Teen Court coordinator, said in a news release. Teen court volunteers also provided approximately 200 hours of service to agencies in the community.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“Our program has been a positive force in the lives of approximately 45 teens this year by providing them a second chance while holding them accountable for their behavior,” Billingsley said.
Youth courts are diversion programs in which youth are sentenced by their peers for minor crimes. These programs offer communities an opportunity to provide immediate consequences for primarily first-time youthful offenders, according to the release.
Details: Jeffrey Billingsley, coordinator, 870-541-5455.