A Multilevel Analysis of Teen Courts

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

Diversion programs are informal means to serve low-level offenders. Particularly, teen courts (also called youth courts and peer courts) are used to divert minors with low-level offenses from the traditional juvenile justice system. This alternative program also seeks to keep a juvenile offender’s record clear by offering restitution for an offense through acts of community service. Understanding the process and effectiveness of teen courts is important, especially considering the varying practices among jurisdictions.

Despite variations among jurisdictions however, one common feature of all teen courts is the use of adolescents within the process. While there are several models of teen court practices each employing juveniles, the current study focuses on the adult judge model. In the adult judge model, adolescents hear cases and the adult judge oversees the process. This study aims to explore perceptions of youth respondents (offenders), parents, and adult judges in order to gather data informative of teen court practices and effectiveness. Policy implications, and recommendations for future studies are then presented to aid in future teen court cases.

Authors

• Allison Fernandez, Texas State University

• Scott Bowman, Texas State University