In my Garden

Nov. 28, 2006

Emily the Prosecuter!

Every other Monday (roughly) we have Teen Court trials in Lovington. Mostly everyone in Lovington is aware of our program because it is very well supported. But just in case one didn't know anything about it, it is a group of teenage volunteers who help kids our age.                                      When a juvenile gets a traffic ticket or is cited for shoplifting etc. they have the choice of either going to regulartraffic court, paying the fine, having the offense on their record and all that jazz, or they can come to Teen Court. If they choose to come to Teen Court, they go through the process of being the defendent (like in a regular sentencing trial). They give a statement about what happened and meet with their (teen) attorney(s) who will be representing them in an interview. When the trial begins, they take the stand, most of the time as the only witness. The two sides, Defense (representing the defendent) and Prosecution (representing the State of New Mexico) are both comprised of teenage volunteers. The jury is also teenagers, although it is not volunteers. Once the jury reads the verdict, the defendent will be sentenced to a certain number of community service hours and a certain number of night of jury duty, based on the severity of the offense. Thus, the jury is made up of those who have been through the defendant status. It makes for a very good check&balance system.                                           I have been in Teen Court for just over a year, and my progress is painfully slow. When I say "roughly" every other Monday, I mean like on average about once a month. A lot of people have to have their cases rescheduled, or have their cases sent back, and sometimes, there just aren't any cases. But I have been getting better slowly but surely. I and my co-councils won the last two cases we did (one as defense and one as prosecution). I am enjoying it more and more as I am gaining confidence. The kids are a little rougher than the church crowd, but they know that I desire for them not to cuss around me and have been really great about it. Oh, I am ahead on candle sales! And whoever sells the most gets a $40 gift cirtificate or something to somewhere (I'm not sure) But YAY!

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Nov. 28, 2006 - Proud of you!

Posted by butterflyschoolmom

Hello Emily, I'm so glad you are working hard at learning new skills at Teen Court. I am really proud of you. Keep up the good work. Love, Mom

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