Juniors as judges, sophomores as lawyers, and freshmen as bailiffs. Offered to all high school students in Hardin, Larue, Meade, and Nelson County districts, along with Fort Knox and even home-schooled students, Teen Court holds the intention to include and inspire all.
Training starts at the beginning of September and continues through November until a graduation ceremony is held.
In that time, Teen Court helps students step out of their comfort zones, learn about the Criminal Justice system, and find their passion. As well as, showing students real-life cases and allowing them to take part in the defendant’s sentencing.
When students are able to act on real cases, it gives them a sense of what it would actually be like in the courtroom.
For instance, real juveniles in Hardin County are being represented by our own student body to help them (the juveniles) make better decisions for their future, and lead them to the road to success.
Our students benefit just as much from this experience as their own clients do.
“By the time I was done with training, I was hooked,” home-schooled student Meredith Honken states.
Now, Honken holds the title of Reporter for the program, and this is only her second year in the organization.
Not only has Honken gotten a memorable experience from Teen Court, but EHS Senior student Anna Sumral too had the opportunity to be deemed ‘Chair,’ or what’s more known as a leader of her fellow Teen Court members.
“When we do trials, I get to prosecute and I really love getting to be a part of those trials and knowing everything we do is going to make a change in someone’s life,” Sumrall said.
The influence Teen Court has on many is undeniable. From the point of view of a defendant who is getting a sentence, to the members of Teen Court watching a real case unfold.
One of Hardin County’s well-known Judges Kimberly Winkenhofer Shumate resides as the main director for the program and has seen the influence on everyone involved for over two decades.
“Students get to learn what the courthouse is about, meet new people, and create community service hours,” Shumate said. “Defendants are able to come to a trial night, where they admit they’ve done something wrong and they come to Teen Court to get their diversion contract written… then they are able to have the case expunged from their record and they never have a formal juvenile record.”
The main focus for defendants is to let them speak their side of the story and feel heard, as well as bring a positive light through the help of their peers. In return, defendants may gain a positive reflection on the justice system.
Central Hardin senior Jordan Stieve says that her favorite role in Teen Court is being a defense attorney.
“My favorite part of Teen Court is being able to connect and work with my clients so that I can further understand and help them!”
On the other side of things, EHS junior Kenidee Hamilton favors being a prosecutor.
“I love prosecuting, I prosecute at least once a month if I can. I love the experience, I love being able to speak in front of a jury of my peers, and I love changing the lives of students because I’ve seen it so many times,”
Hamilton also mentions the positive impact she’s seen Teen Court bring to her community.
“I see so many defendants who have even come back to teen court to join after they have been right in front of us on trial and I’ve seen so many of them have this desire to be a better person and be set on a better path,”
It is important not to forget the confidence she’s seen her peers and herself gain as they’ve grown in Teen Court!
Central Hardin senior student Sydney Higdon has received such a positive impact from Teen Court that she encourages those interested to join.
“Teen Court is for everyone looking to help out in our community or anyone who wants to just gain knowledge of our Kentucky court system,” Higdon said.
An impactful experience is held in front of high school students with any interest in the Justice system, community service, or purely an interest in making friends and a difference.
Teen Court members highly encourage students interested in getting involved in our community to join as they are looking to see more growth in the program! An Instagram has even been started to inform students about all the things going on in Teen Court.
It is important to educate teenagers on the justice system and how they can use this knowledge to benefit their careers.
