With more than 1,270 youth courts in 49 states: Youth courts are one of the fastest growing ways to prevent juvenile delinquency.

Youth courts, also called Teen courts or Peer courts, are unofficial, alternative courts in which first time, teen, low-level offenders, are diverted from the juvenile justice system and agree to be judged by other teenagers. The teens don’t decide guilt or innocence they are there to only hear out the defendants, ask questions and hand out sentences.

Not harsh sentences, but alternatives for these kids to come back into the community and become better citizens: such as completing community service, a drug awareness program, a mediation program, or a job interview program…one sentence included writing an essay on where he expects to be in 5 years.

Youth court offers a win/win situation: It lightens the overburdened juvenile court system, educates its student officers and tries to rehabilitate offenders by building on their strengths.

Excellent!

one sentence included writing an essay on where he expects to be in 5 years.

Time will tell, but in my opinion, it's sounds like a smart practical system.

I observed this system in action in Anchorage, Alaska, a few years back. It's a great idea and it really works. The sentences tend to be a lot harsher than what an adult judge would hand out! However, the sentences were more about restitution to victims than punishment. I think Youth Court really did help to reduce youth crime in Anchorage.

Sounds great to me, as long as it works right.