Henderson County Teen Court
Volunteers
Volunteers are key to the success of Teen Court.  Teen Court is always in need of mature, dependable youth and capable adults for Teen Court to run efficiently and benefit youth offenders and the community.  There are numerous roles for youth to fill in a courtroom proceeding and numerous ways for adult volunteers to contribute to this program.  Volunteer applications for both peers and adults are available in pdf form below.
Student Volunteers

Jury Pool

Student volunteers from ages 10 to 17 and offenders meeting the requirements of their constructive sentence serve as members of the jury pool.  Peer attorneys voir dire or question the prospective jurors as part of the selection process.  Selected jurors  are then seated in the jury box and listen attentively to the case as it is presented by the attorneys and witnesses. 

After the jury is dismissed to the deliberation room, the jury considers the evidence presented and using a grid based on the offense reaches a unanimous decision determing the constructive sentence.  A jury foreperson selected by the jurors reads the binding sentence to the judge and the courtroom. 

Peer Attorneys

Volunteer high school students serve as prosecuting attorneys and defense attorneys.  A new and inexperienced attorney is assigned with an experienced attorney for the first few cases and/or until the youth is comfortable.  Youth acting as attorneys must be willing to come to court prepared to present their case. Case paperwork must be handled in a confidential manner.  Defense attorneys are asked to call their clients prior to court.  Student attorneys develop opening and closing statements and questions for direct and cross-examination, as well as for any witnesses that may testify.  

PROSECUTOR: The prosecutor's role is to represent the state, to represent the public interest by requesting a sentence that is strict but fair, to avoid playing judge, and to maintain respect for the judicial system.

DEFENSE COUNSEL: The role of defense counsel is to represent a client zealously within the bounds of the law. The defense counsel must not represent an offender if his or her ability to represent effectively is impaired. Like the prosecutor, the defense counsel has the duty to maintain public respect for the judicial system.

The Court Clerk

The clerk sits next to the judge during the entire court session. The clerk announces the case to the court and completes the clerk docket as the case progress. The clerk also assists the judge upon request.
Prior to court, the clerk assists the coordinator at the sign-in table and answers questions.  

The Bailiff

The bailiff, also seated near the judge, introduces the judge, seats the jury in the jury box, and delivers and deceives documents to and from the judge.  Upon completion of the hearing, the bailiff leads the jury to the deliberation room and monitors the jury at all times. After deliberation, the bailiff leads the jury back into the courtroom. The bailiff is also responsible for maintaining order in the courtroom and assisting the judge upon request.

Benefits

Teen volunteers gain an opportunity to
receive recognition and find a new level
of success in an activity that is not based on academics. 

Teen volunteer skills acquired include: 

 
  • Training in the legal process from area volunteer attorneys
  • Developing skills in areas of problem solving abilities and critical and strategic thinking
  • Training and practice in speaking before the public
  • Training in and experience of the jury process through educational experience and educational seminars
  • Training in juvenile criminal law through actual experience and educational seminars
  • Internships for teen volunteers in adult courts
  • Training in the values of society, leadership and character education
  • Understanding of the concept of actions having consequences.

Court is in Session

DATE:  First Monday of the Month, unless this date falls on a holiday

TIME:  Sign-in by 5:15 p.m.

LOCATION:  Henderson County Courthouse
                      100 East Tyler
                      173rd District, 2nd floor
                      Athens

Teen Court Training

Training provides youth volunteers the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their roles.  Youth are mentored by adult attorneys who teach courtroom procedure, effective questioning of witnesses, rules of law, and the development of opening and closing statements.   

Other adult educators provide supplemental training to give youth the skills in public speaking, debate, and critical and higher order thinking.  This traning experience gives volunteers the confidence to perform their roles effectively.

DATE:  Monthly, on theSaturday before the
             first Monday of the month

TIME:  10 a.m. to noon

LOCATION:  Henderson County Tax Office
                       101 East Tyler, 3rd floor
                       Athens
 
PEER VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

Click HERE for a printable PDF file of a Peer Volunteer Application and bring it to an upcoming training or court session or mail to:

Henderson County Teen Court
P.O. Box 227
Athens, Texas 75751

Adult Volunteers

Non-Attorney Volunteers
 
Adults can get involved with Teen Court in so many ways.  Adult volunteers assist in locating community service placements, interviewing defendants, assisting the court coordinator, and educators and other professionals provide training.

Attorney Trainer

Attorneys train high school students to serve as attorneys for hearing sessions.  Attorney trainers acquaint volunteers with courtroom procedure and teach students how to prepare opening and closing statements, how to question witnesses, and how to serve as effective advocates for their client., the victim, and the community.

DATE:  Monthly, on the Saturday before
             the first Monday of the month

TIME:  10 a.m. to noon

LOCATION:  Henderson County Tax Office
                       101 East Tyler Street, 3rd floor
                       Athens

Teen Court Judge

As the only adult member of Teen Court,  attorney and judge volunteers preside over the Teen Court hearings.  Judges receive, approve, and sign Sentencing Forms from the jury.

DATE:  First Monday of the month. unless this date falls on a holiday

TIME:  5:30 p.m.

LOCATION:  Henderson County Courthouse
                       100 East Tyler
                       173rd District, 2nd floor
                       Athens

If you would like to contribute your time to Teen Court, please contact Lana Perkins at courtcoordinator@teencourtathenstx.org.

To serve as an attorney trainer or judge, you do not need to practice criminal law or be a litigator. Attorneys from all practices are welcome to serve as an Attorney Trainer or Judge.

Time requirements may vary; our estimates are based on the averages for our volunteers.

ADULT VOLUNTEER APPLICATION 

Click HERE for a printable PDF file of an Adult Volunteer Application and mail to:

Henderson County Teen Court
P. O. Box 227
Athens, Texas  75751

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