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Leander area students prepare to serve as judge, jury, and …

“All rise! The Williamson County YMCA Teen Court is back in session!”

Returning and new students ages 13-18 are invited to attend the September 7th Teen Court orientation for the 2019-2020 school year. Orientation will be conducted from 9:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. at the Twin Lakes YMCA (Cedar Park) under the supervision of professional attorneys, law enforcement personnel, YMCA staff and parent advisers.

Students in the Teen Court program learn courtroom procedure first hand, as well as study and assume the roles of juror, jury foreman, bailiff, clerk, prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, and judge.

These young men and women preside over sentencing and adjudication of real Class C Misdemeanor cases involving juvenile defendants 11-17 years of age. This hands-on training in law, the justice system, and civil government equips students with critical knowledge and skills to be more effective, lifelong servant-leaders in their communities.

The highly-respected Williamson County YMCA Teen Court program is administered by Judge Edna Staudt, recipient of the prestigious 2018 Glenn Shepard Leadership Award.

Students participating in Teen Court gain valuable experience and insights in:

      • courtroom roles
      • courtroom procedure
      • real-life application of justice and mercy
      • state laws
      • consequences of transgressing laws
      • sentencing procedure
      • leadership
      • public speaking
      • critical thinking

Past speakers and presenters to Teen Court students include:

      • Williamson County K9
      • Crime Scene Investigation
      • Supreme Court Justices
      • Texas Rangers
      • Volunteers from Texas Attorney General’s office
      • George Washington portrayed by Mark Collins

Former Teen Court Volunteer Students: In their own words

 

Copyright © 2019 Don Stroud