ANCHORAGE YOUTH COURT
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Mission Statement
Anchorage Youth Court is a juvenile justice system that empowers students to serve as defense attorneys, prosecutors, and judges in cases involving their peers. It gives students accountability, education, and the opportunity to have a positive influence on others’ lives while providing the community with an effective and comprehensive alternative justice system.
About This Cause
Anchorage Youth Court provides opportunity for youth defendants in grades 7 through 12 to participate in a peer-led judicial process. The State of Alaska Division of Juvenile Justice refers youth offenders for crimes including terrorist threats, shoplifting, criminal mischief, fighting at school, vandalism, harassment, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Youth defendants participate in the judicial process by attending a sentencing hearing in a real courtroom run by AYC youth members trained to fill roles of clerk, bailiff, attorneys, and judges. After the hearing, defendants can resolve legal issues with no criminal juvenile record or long-term consequences. Sentences imposed by youth judges include community work service, an essay or alternative academic project, and a class about the impact of drugs, shoplifting, and other crimes on teens and their communities. While providing constructive consequences for juvenile offenders, AYC also offers a civic opportunity for its young members. Through this successful after-school program, youth members develop and apply an understanding of the legal process through education, AYC Bar Association membership, and participation in the sentencing hearings. Areas of instruction include: an overview of the criminal justice system from arrest through appeal; the organization of youth court, including jurisdiction, operation, procedure, and rules; criminal law; the consequences of crime to victims, the courts, the police, the probation office, and the community at large; the role of sentencing in offender rehabilitation; the range and effectiveness of rehabilitative actions and available programs; and sentencing issues, including aggravating and mitigating circumstances. Prospective members take a written exam to demonstrate their proficiency in the subject matter. Upon passing the bar exam, members may participate in cases for youth offenders referred to AYC. Members may also participate in educational opportunities outside the courtroom, including training, meetings, the Youth Summit, and the annual United Youth Courts of Alaska State Conference. Throughout the year, AYC also offers visits to the courthouses, the State Crime Lab, McLaughlin Youth Center, the Alaska State Trooper Museum, the FBI building, and the Anchorage Police Department, among others. AYC holds hearings year-round. During the summer, AYC also holds a summer law and leadership program for youth in the community. The program’s goal is to help develop skills and networks to become leaders in Alaska. In addition to taking many great field trips to visit our legal community, participants learn about civil rights and criminal justice; participate in mock trials, negotiations, and mediation; and create advocacy plans.