SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. (Hinton News) – Senate Minority Leader Stephen Baldwin visited Nicholas County Teen Court on Thursday, where he had the opportunity to observe the groundbreaking program in action.
Teen Court takes the right to a “jury of one’s peers” and brings it to the younger generation in a real-world courtroom scenario.
“This is truly a fantastic program,” Sen. Baldwin said. “It’s such a great way for our kids to develop a sense of civic duty, and really embrace the concept of personal accountability.”
As explained on wvteencourt.org, “Teen Court is a unique ‘second chance’ justice program for youth between the ages of 11 and 18 who are alleged to have committed a status offense or an act of delinquency which would be a misdemeanor if committed by an adult. Upon successful completion of the program charges against the defendant are dismissed.”
Students in grades seven through 12 may volunteer to serve as jurors, court clerks, bailiffs, prosecuting attorneys and defense attorneys. Students serving as attorneys have the opportunity to work with an adult attorney-mentor to prepare their case. The program currently operates in 16 counties throughout West Virginia.
Baldwin commended Nicholas County Teen Court Program Director Aaron Evans, Nicholas County Chief Public Defender Kathleen Murphy, and all others involved with doing an amazing job, saying, “They should all be very proud of what they’re doing. I sure am.”
At the conclusion of Thursday’s teen court session, Evans stated, “I wish everyone could go into the jury room and listen to the teenagers deliberate. That’s where the magic happens. The rationale of these teenagers blows my mind. I don’t ever remember being that rational when I was their age.”
“This program gives kids a second chance to do the right thing,” Evans continued. “Not every kid deserves a big fine. And sometimes the fines can be detrimental to a family. Sometimes it’s that second chance – and just knowing that there are people in their community who believe in them and support them – that can really make all the difference in a kid’s life.”
“The youth of our state are precious,” Sen. Baldwin added. “We have to do more than simply protect them. We have to be willing to invest our time, energy and knowledge into their development. They will be the next generation of Mountaineers to lead our state. We have an obligation as parents, leaders, and West Virginians to set them up to be successful. Everyone makes mistakes and does things they’re not proud of. Our kids need to know that it is what they do next that will define them as a person.”
“The Teen Court Program is a big step in that direction,” Sen. Baldwin concluded.
