South Jefferson County News

Students receive excellent volunteer experience 

Lakewood is relaunching its Teen Court and is looking for teen volunteers, who have a chance to experience an excellent opportunity to build their confidence in public speaking, explore possible career options in the justice system and meet other students from Lakewood and surrounding areas with similar interests.

Teens ages 13-17 interested in volunteering can participate as a prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, bailiff or juror for an actual case of a juvenile offender. Teen Court sessions will begin with the school year in the fall. To volunteer, please contact Teen Court Coordinator Caleb Mulvin at calmul@lakewoodco.org or 303-987-7424. For more information, visit Lakewood.org/TeenCourt.

Teen Court is based on restorative justice principles and seeks to ensure that the harm caused by each juvenile offender is repaired. Teen Court volunteers accomplish this by holding each juvenile accountable for their actions, which helps ensure the safety of the community and fosters the offender’s skill development to prevent any future violations.

The cases heard in Teen Court are real. All defendants in Teen Court are juveniles that have been charged with a violation of Lakewood’s Municipal Code and are first-time offenders. They are required to complete the sentence given through the program to have their case dismissed.

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