District Attorney James A. Murphy, III announced today that at State Farm Headquarters in Malta, nearly 150 students completed training for Saratoga County’s Youth Court Program. The students, who came from Saratoga Springs, Shenendehowa, Waterford, Corinth, Ballston Spa, South Glens Falls, Galway, and Burnt Hills/Ballston Lake school districts, will become judges, jurors, prosecutors and defense attorneys, in actual cases where juveniles and teenagers are charged with criminal conduct in Saratoga County.

The Youth Court Program, sponsored by the Prevention Council, Inc. in Saratoga Springs is a voluntary alternative to the criminal justice system for young people who have committed a crime or an offense. The goal of youth court is to intervene in early anti-social, delinquent and criminal behavior; as well as to reduce the incidence and prevent the escalation of such behavior.

The youth must admit to guilt to a crime or an offense and then appear for a sentencing hearing before a jury of peers. The jury is presented with evidence, deliberates and passes sentence. Sentences can include community service, restitution, reparation, restorative justice and letters of apology. Typical cases that may be heard in Youth Court include shoplifting, criminal mischief, trespassing and vandalism. Cases are generally referred by judges, probation or Murphy's Office. Violent offenses or offenses involving any type of weapon are not accepted into the program.

Benefits include a decision by a jury of peers aimed at assisting the young person in desisting from criminal conduct and an opportunity to participate positively in the criminal justice system, rather than as an object of that system.

District Attorney Murphy said “I am impressed that so many students from 8 school districts in the county worked Friday night and Saturday to successfully complete Youth Court training. Diverting cases to Youth Court saves thousands of taxpayer dollars while, at the same time, imposes meaningful sentences that help victims and offenders and are community driven. The recidivism rate for youth court participants is extremely low and is one of the best diversion programs available. We are fortunate to have Lisa Chamberlain as the Youth Court Director take on this important training component.

Students act as judges, clerks, jurors, prosecutors and defense attorneys. Murphy said “today, we explained how the criminal justice system works. We examined a fact pattern that dealt with a young teen girl that shoplifted and discussed what appropriate sentences would be, including restitution, a letter of apology to the shop owner and some significant community service. The idea of not harnessing the young girl with a criminal record, while at the same time holding her responsible for her conduct is a perfect outcome.

For further information about youth court please visit these link: http://www.jimmurphyda.com/YouthCourt.htm

http://www.preventioncouncil.org/OlD/youthcourt.htm