KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Kodiak is about to have 24 new "attorneys" following a grand swearing in at the state superior court room Thursday at 6 p.m.
The "lawyers" are part of the Kodiak Teen Court Bar Association and will work within a program to handle crimes committed by local youths.
KMXT’s Maggie Wall has more.
–(((Teen Court 4:21 "The Kodiak Teen..are confidential. SOC.")))
The Kodiak Teen Court is a win-win according to Darlene Turner who is the program manager for youth run justice system.
The concept works like this…kids sometimes do dumb things…minor infractions of the law can be handled outside of the traditional court system…kids who make mistakes can learn a good lesson and be guided to a better path…the Teen Court system gives them the opportunity to learn their lesson, pay restitution, and put the past behind them as they head into adulthood-a bit smarter and less likely to get involved in crime as adults.
Darlene Turner…
–(((How it works…
Turner is a retired state trooper who was the post commander for the Kodiak State Troopers. She’s been involved with Teen Court for more than 15 years and is genuinely impressed with the program, the kids running it, and the positive effects it has on all involved:
–(((Great deal of benefits
Tonight’s Teen Court swearing in begins at 6 p.m. in the superior court courtroom. A mock court case will be presented following the swearing in, so that the public can see how the program works. This will be the public’s only chance to see the Teen Court in action, as all regular proceedings are confidential.
I’m Maggie Wall.
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