Onondaga County  -  Onondaga County Youth Court

Onondaga County Youth Court is a diversion program that provides juvenile first-time offenders (between the ages of 7-15) with an opportunity to face the consequences of their actions without entering into the traditional criminal justice system. Referrals are received from the Onondaga County Probation Department as well as the various police departments across the county including the Onondaga County Sheriffs Department and the Syracuse Police Department. Youth Court is a peer-run court which means it is made up of young volunteers (between the ages of 13-19) who act out the various roles of the court such as judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and bailiffs. Since the programs creation in Onondaga County in 1993, thousands of offenders have had their cases heard in front of their peers. All offenders who choose to participate with the program are required to plead guilty to their alleged offenses. This is because Youth Court does not determine the guilt or innocence of an individual, but rather, provides offenders with a means to acknowledge the seriousness of their actions as well as a sentence which may allow them to attempt to make up for what they have done.
 
Cases are heard in real court rooms across the county once or twice a month. The court locations are as follows: 
  

 
For volunteers, Youth Court provides opportunities to learn about responsible citizenship and law as well as to develop skills in public speaking, deliberation, mediation, and pro-social leadership through hands-on experience. Many members participate in order to enhance college or professional resumes. In order to become a member a young person must be between the ages of 13-19, complete a one day training program (offered twice per year), an apprenticeship period, and pass a “bar exam.”

If you are interested in becoming a member, please fill out the YOUTH COURT APPLICATION.

To view a "Your News Now" feature on Onondaga County Youth Court which originally aired on 10/27/10, please CLICK HERE.