Teen Court is a voluntary diversion program from Juvenile Court or school suspension and provides the following:
- A forum for defendants to explain their involvement in the offense
- A structured environment in which the words an actions of defendants who admit their wrongful acts are evaluated and judged by their peers
- The opportunity for defendants to accept responsibility for their actions by fulfilling the jury’s sentence of community services and future jury duty assignments- both of which are designed to be constructive and rehabilitative
Above: Sarasota County Teen Court program.
Fundamental Principles
- Respect for confidentiality
- Development of objectivity
- Respect for the rights of others
- Development of personal values
- Respect for societal values
- Acceptance of responsibility
- Respect for the justice system
Florida Teen Courts 