Holland Teen Court Jury Page

Holland Teen Court
works with two local
schools to train and
implement peer juries.
Holland High School
and Holland Christian
High School have active
teachers who are
committed to working
with a group of students
from their school in
order to train them for
the role of peer jurors.
The training is ongoing,
including basic legal
knowledge, mock trials
and rotating participation
as jurors in the monthly
sessions.

Peer jurors play a vital role in the Teen Court process. The peer jury does not determine innocence or guilt, but the appropriate sentence that the defendant must complete and a due date. As a juror, the student is required to demonstrate respect for the process and the court by following proper protocol. Dress, behavior and language must be presented in a professional manner.

Throughout the year, each peer jury group will learn, train and practice the procedures utilized in Teen Court. The participating teacher from each school is responsible for ensuring thorough understanding and mastering of the critical thinking skills, decision-making skills, and procedures necessary for Teen Court.

Three specific job
responsibilities are
fulfilled by the peer
jury, in addition to
being a juror.
These individuals
are selected prior
to the hearing, with
ample time to practice.

1.   Court Clerk: Responsible for pronouncing the hearing
      and the presiding Judge. The Court Clerk is also
      responsible for procedural pronouncements "all rise,"
      at the specified time.

2.   Bailiff: The bailiff escorts the jury in and out of the
      courtroom. The bailiff also escorts the defendant and
      the parents into the courtroom.

3.   Foreperson: Responsible for maintaining order among
      the jurors, assisting the jury in reaching a unanimous
      decision, polling the jurors and announcing the verdict
      to the parties.

The function of jury questioning is crucial. Jurors are taught to ask questions in order to obtain information that will assist them in making a fair judgment. Sample questions are a part of the jury training, and cover a variety of spectrums including: The Incident, Family, Social, School, Parents and Feelings. Peer jurors are trained to be determinant about their questioning. If the wrong questions or not enough questions are asked, the process will not work. In addition to questioning the defendant, the jurors also have the opportunity to question the parent(s) to obtain ample information.

During deliberation, jurors are instructed to use only information that they obtained during the hearing. The sentencing must be in proportion to the offense. Relative seriousness of the offense, attitude and overall behavior of the minor should be the primary concern. The jurors utilize a standard sentencing guideline in determining which elements they will select (see Sentences). The peer jury returns to the courtroom to present the sentence to the defendant and parent, with final approval of the presiding judge. Back in the classroom, most participating teachers conduct a re-cap analysis of the hearings with the peer juries.

Holland Teen Court currently works with two area high schools for peer jury training. Jury members are selected either on a teacher's recommendation, or on a volunteer basis. The jury member must work with the school's Teen Court teacher to participate in the initial and ongoing training. The most successful jury members are those who have an interest in the legal system or who have an interest in helping fellow peers.

The process of Teen Court is one that demands utter respect and a professional and mature attitude. Jurors are required to follow the court rules and act in a serious manner.

The following is feedback made by jurors following a Holland Teen Court session. Please click here to read what the jurors had to say!

I solemnly swear or avow that I will not divulge, either by words or signs, any information which comes to my knowledge in the course of a Teen Court case presentation, and that I will keep secret all said proceedings which may be held in my presence, so help me God.

NOTE: To print an official hard copy of the above Oath of Confidentiality, click here, then use your browser to print the form. You will have to click your browser's BACK button to return to this page after printing.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Joyce Barkel, Community Relations Specialist, City Volunteer Services Coordinator at:

Holland Teen Court
270 South River Avenue
Holland, Michigan 49423
(616) 355-1324
email: barkel@teen-court.org