Teens interested in experiencing local government and law in action are encouraged to attend the Bellevue Youth Court open house on Sept. 27, 5:30-7 p.m., at City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE.
The open house will include information about the program, which provides youth with an opportunity to serve as jurors, advocates and officers of the court. Those who attend can connect with practicing lawyers and judges who provide guidance to program participants.
The Bellevue Youth Court is a partnership of the city of Bellevue and King county. It was launched in 2008 to help reduce recidivism rates among juveniles who commit crimes in the Bellevue area. The court convenes monthly to hold two court cases each session.
“Youth Court is a unique partnership that benefits both the participating juveniles and community youth volunteers,” said Patrick Foran, director of Parks & Community Services.
The program provides an innovative community service opportunity that engages youth in making real decisions in a real case. Teens serve as youth judges, jurors, bailiffs, clerks and prosecuting and defense advocates (attorneys) in the sentencing of a youth found guilty of a misdemeanor offense in juvenile court. Practicing attorneys serve as mentors and guide the defense and prosecution teams for each case.
In order for a case to be sentenced in Bellevue Youth Court, the respondent must admit responsibility for their actions and agree to be sentenced by a court of their peers.
The program is based on Whatcom County’s youth court. In 2010, Bellevue’s program was named the Washington Recreation Professional Association’s Spotlight Program of the Year.
All participants are required to RSVP for and attend a general training on Oct. 11 on court procedures and “Restorative Justice.” Participants are required to serve as jurors as a prerequisite for specialized training for advocates and officers of the court provided later in the school year.
Bellevue Youth Court is a member of the Washington State Youth Court Association, which holds an annual Youth Court Conference in the fall at the Seattle University School of Law.
