DA Rice Welcomes Future Lawyers and Judges of the Hempstead High School Youth Court

Youth court will mediate conflicts of HHS freshmen

MINEOLA, NY – Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice welcomed members of the Hempstead High School Youth Court on Friday as they conducted a mock trial before members of the District Attorney’s Office, law students, and proud educators.

The Youth Court, under the supervision of ADA Kara Kaplan, showcased the legal knowledge the students have accumulated after two months of training. Students were taught the process of a criminal trial, court procedures, and the roles of attorneys, judges, witness, court officers and jurors. Prosecutors and Hofstra University law students handled the training and will oversee the court.

Youth Court provides an opportunity for freshmen who commit low-level offenses on school grounds to be adjudicated by their peers. Offenses include writing graffiti, academic misconduct and cutting classes. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors staff all positions in the court including judge, community advocate and defense advocate (similar to role of prosecutor and defense attorney), bailiff, and court clerk. During a hearing, respondents have a chance to present his or her case to the youth jury, judge, and advocates. One presiding juror and a panel of jury members question the respondent, parent and other witnesses.

After the hearing, the jury deliberates and decides on a fair and beneficial sanction for their peer using restorative justice goals. Common sanctions include community service, oral and written apologies, essays, jury duty, restitution, curfew and tutoring. In addition to the students receiving a routine sanction, attempts will be made in every case to link them to events and activities based on their individual interests - the goal is to expose the students to a new experience and potentially something that can become a regular activity and a positive way to spend their time.

Rice said the Youth Court is another in a series of programs designed to keep kids out of the courts system. In the past, the District Attorney has introduced mentoring programs, education programs, and summer camps designed to give children after-school and summer activities to keep them off the streets.

“Getting to children early and teaching them about the consequences of crime is one of the most important initiatives we can undertake,” Rice said. “The Youth Court will give these kids the skill set and the confidence to act as role models for their fellow students, while giving the young offenders an early look at the consequences of breaking the law.”