What is Youth Court:

North Star Youth Court trains youth between the ages 12-18 to represent and judge their peers in actual criminal cases. Fairbanks area youth serve as judges, prosecuting and defense attorneys, jurors, and court clerks.

Juveniles charged with misdemeanor offenses are referred to Youth Court through the traditional juvenile justice system.

A referral is assigned to Youth Court attorneys. The defendant is arraigned and if a guilty or no contest plea is entered, an appropriate sentence is given. If the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, he or she will be tried by a Youth Court jury or a panel of Youth Court judges.

A Youth Court sentence differs from other legal sanctions in that it provides redress to the community while encouraging defendants to reflect on their behavior its negative consequences.  The court's sentences can be very specific to the individual defendant, promoting change through reinforcing strengths. Sentencing options of the Court may include Community Work Service, writing an essay or letter of apology, producing a video or graphic novel describing their experience, referral to an anger management or shoplifting prevention program, and/or an option to participate as a juror for the Youth Court. Upon closing the case successfully, the defendant receives no criminal record.

Training

In preparation for practicing law, youth volunteers receive twenty hours of training taught by local adult attorneys, judges, and trained mediators. Youth Court training covers jurisdiction, procedure, evidence, advocacy, and case preparation. Victim Offender Mediation training addresses conflict resolution skills, listening skills, and the role of a neutral facilitator in the mediation process. NSYC members may serve as a clerk, attorney, or judge. Youth mediators will have the opportunity to co-mediate victim offender mediations in which the criminal offender is a youth. NSYC meetings feature speakers, workshops, and mock trial clinics. 

• Volunteer to work directly with young people or to serve on a committee.
• Make a contribution from the foundation, business, or organization that you represent.
• Provide in-kind donations for our program or office.

If you would like to be put on our mailing list or to be contacted regarding volunteer opportunities or donations, please write to us at the above address, or call to speak with our program director, Angela Bingley, 457-6792.