When their classmates and peers receive first-time traffic violations or commit a minor offense, a group of Shorecrest High School students go to court. On Sept. 25, members of the Shoreline / Lake Forest Park Youth Court held a reception and an inaugural open court session at the Lake Forest Park City Hall in honor of National Youth Court Month.
“We’re an institution now,” Lake Forest Park Municipal Court Judge Linda Portnoy said. “We’re one of the oldest, most well established courts.”
Shoreline Mayor Bob Ransom and Lake Forest Park Mayor Dave Hutchinson officially proclaimed September as Shoreline and Lake Forest Park Youth Court Month during the reception.
“Youth Courts empower youth through involvement in community solutions by developing skills in leadership, decision-making, and problem solving,” Mayor Ransom read from the proclamation. “Youth learn the appropriate use of peer pressure and are given opportunities to mentor and instill integrity in their peers.”
Currently the Shoreline / Lake Forest Park Youth Court is one of 1,235 youth courts nationwide and includes 30 students who volunteer as attorneys, bailiffs, clerks, judges and jurors. James Rimbakusumo and Nora Hansen are serving as judges for the 2007-2008 Shoreline / Lake Forest Park Youth Court.
When court is in session once a month, a police report is read into record and the defendant is given an opportunity to speak and answer questions proposed by members of the jury. During deliberation, the jury discusses details of each individual case and collectively decides on a sentence consisting of community service hours, essays about state traffic laws and regulations, letters of apology or traffic safety classes.
The number of community service hours or weight of a sentence depends upon the severity of the violation with the possibility of more added on for passengers and distractions and a reduced sentence for stiff consequences at home. Members of Youth Court verify compliance of sentences and send documentation to the courts.
“This is a group that is entirely student-driven,” Youth Court advisor Steve Growdon said. “It’s dependent on their enthusiasm.”
Growdon added that the Youth Court hopes to further their participation within the state, expand awareness of the legal branch and the type of cases that come before the court.
The Shoreline / Lake Forest Park Youth Court was created in 2000 and is a legal branch of the Shoreline District Court and Lake Forest Park Municipal Court.
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