Teen Court, the newest program developed by the Baton Rouge Bar Foundation, is now one of its most successful undertakings. Teen Court is a voluntary diversion program that allows youth who have committed minor offenses to be sentenced by a jury of their peers. This pre-trial diversion program brings together high school students who volunteer to play the role of prosecuting or defense attorney, clerk/bailiff or juror. Teen Court provides teen volunteers an opportunity to develop their education about the legal system and their role in it, and it empowers youth to be active in the community. Teen Court offers offenders an alternative that emphasizes accountability for their delinquent or problem behaviors. Because the defendants have already admitted guilt, the Teen Court’s sole responsibility is prescribing an appropriate sentence to each defendant. Each sentence requires service as a juror in at least two future Teen Court hearings, and additional terms can be included in the sentencing, such as community service, restitution and participation in educational programs. Erin Wilder-Doomes of Phelps Dunbar chairs the group responsible for the organization of this program, the Teen Court Committee, and Samantha Ackers assists the BRBF education coordinator Donna Buuck in the organization of the Teen Court program. In describing the program, Wilder-Doomes said, “The hope is that, with early intervention and restorative sentencing, we can keep these youth defendants from appearing in court again.” Volunteer attorneys play an invaluable role in the Teen Court program, acting as judges for the hearings, courtroom monitors, jury-room monitors and mentors for teen attorneys. From September 2006 through February 2007, Teen Court has held seven hearings managed by 53 teen volunteers who sentenced 36 defendants. For more information, contact Donna Buuck at 225-214-5556.