BECOME A TEEN COURT VOLUNTEER

New paragraph

TEEN VOLUNTEERS

(12 - 18 YEARS OLD)

Jury: The jury decides what constructive consequence to give the defendant based on the evidence brought up during the hearing. The jury's decision must be unanimous. Jury Orientation is held at the start of each court session.

CLERK/BAILIFF

The Clerk/Bailiff supervises the setup of the courtroom. They call the courtroom to order, call the case, make sure that all the paperwork is collected for each case, and swear in the jury and the defendant. 

TEEN ATTORNEY

At Teen Court, the defendant has already admitted guilt. Thus, the job of the Teen Attorneys is not to prove that the defendant is guilty or innocent, but rather to explain the reasons why the defendant committed the offense. The Teen Attorneys present this information to the jury through opening statements, questioning, and closing arguments. To become a Teen Attorney, you must be in high school, complete Attorney Training, and pass the Teen Court Bar Exam. 

Adult Volunteers?

21 Years or Older

Exit Interviewer – Exit Interviewers meet with youth and their families at the completion of the teen's hearing. Exit Interviewers answer questions the families may have and schedule the consequences assigned by the jury.

Jury Monitor – The Jury Monitors oversee the jury deliberation of the teen volunteers. They help to ensure that all teens participate and that the mandatory consequences have been assigned.

Front Desk Greeter – The Front Desk Greeter welcomes defendants and their families when they arrive for the hearing. They distribute and explain the paperwork and answer questions about the Teen Court process.

Attorney Coach – Attorney Coaches are usually attorneys from within the Tucson community. Volunteers with experience in the field of law are sought to help Teen Attorneys prepare for their cases. Help is typically given with opening statements, questioning, and closing statements.

Classroom Volunteer (TCIS) - Classroom volunteers, usually with knowledge in the field of law, serve as a magistrate for Teen Court hearings in the middle and high schools around Tucson. Classroom volunteers rule on objections, give instructions to the jury, and offer advice to teen participants.