Requirements for Teen Volunteers

Office of the State Attorney Attention: Teen Court 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Bldg. D Viera, FL 32940 Phone: (321) 617-7510 ext 57651

Clarissa Harrell Assistant State Attorney Juvenile Division Chief

 Must be between the ages of 13 and 17 Lisa Gomez Parsons Teen Court Coordinator  Be a student in good academic standing [email protected]

Darrin Adams  Demonstrate maturity and sensitivity Teen Court Coordinator [email protected]  Abide by the Dress Code Policy

 Abide by the “Oath of Confidentiality” Office hours: Monday thru Friday 8 AM - 5 PM

BENEFITS OF TEEN COURT:

 GAIN COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS Teen Court is an innovative program which allows first-time juvenile offenders, who have committed a , to attend a Teen Court sentencing hearing instead of being prosecuted through the  NETWORK WITH STATE AND LOCAL formal System. What makes this program unique is that everyone in the courtroom, except the judge, are teens! Students get to participate in the roles of the attorneys, court deputy, clerk GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

and jurors. This program is an example of how positive peer pressure can assist in correcting unlawful behavior. Brevard County Teen Court began in 1996 and in June of 1999, it was featured on America’s  LOOKS GREAT ON RESUME OR APPLICATION Most Wanted as a model example for other teen court programs.  RECEIVE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

PROSECUTING ATTORNEY MEMBER A prosecuting attorney has the responsibility to Jury duty is a privilege and a serious  PRACTICE PROFESSIONALISM FOR seek justice and a sentence based on the responsibility. They are required to base their severity of the offense committed. They will verdict on the evidence presented in court. The YOUR FUTURE CAREER prepare a case, give an opening statement, sentence should be designed to hold the question the defendant, and give a closing defendants responsible for their actions. Jurors argument to the jury providing reasons for their must be able to treat each case individually and  DEVELOP STRONG INTERPERSONAL SKILLS recommended sentence. without prejudice. They must also perform

honestly, without fear or favor. DEFENSE ATTORNEY  MAKE A MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE COURT DEPUTY A defense attorney represents the client. They  IN YOUR COMMUNITY!! will prepare a case, give an opening statement, The primary duties are to assist the judge and question the defendant, object to any maintain order in the courtroom at all times. questioning by the prosecuting attorney and They will also escort the jury to and from the present a closing argument. deliberation room.

“I’ve volunteered with other places For an application, dress code, and schedule, COURT CLERK please visit our website: before... nothing compares to the The clerk is responsible for recording the action hands-on experience you get with www.sa18.org taken by the court. They also swear in the Teen Court!” (Go to Employment/Volunteer/Teen Court) defendant and the jury panel. -Jessica, age 15 BREVARD COUNTY TEEN COURT