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Oldham County judges often see the results of peer pressure standing in their
courtrooms.
Now, some county officials want to use pressure to produce positive results.
The county is gearing up for a one-year pilot program in which teens convicted of minor offenses are sentenced by their peers
in teen court, said Magistrate Ellen Kinser, an organizer of the project.
The program would benefit first-time offenders who commit misdemeanors such as shoplifting and minor drug violations,
or some felonies, including theft of more than $300, Kinser said.
It also will teach youths more about the judicial process, she said, adding that judges often require offenders to serve
jury duty in teen court as part of their sentence.
And teen attorneys and jurors will get experience in the legal system.
"This isn't a cure-all for the juvenile-system," Kinser said, "but it will help it to be better understood."
Next month, interested teenagers will begin six weeks of training, Kinser said. The teens will handle at least one case a month.
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There are teen courts in 29 Kentucky counties, including Jefferson and Bullitt, said Deborah Williamson, general manager
of juvenile services and court- community relations with the Administrative Office of the Courts. They've gradually multiplied since the first pilot
program began in Campbell County in 1992, she said.
They've become "a national initiative," she said, with about 600 in place across the United States.
Interest also has spread internationally. Officials from Poland, Germany, and Japan have inquired about starting their own
teen courts based on their success in the United States.
Williamson said she's not surprised by the interest. "After eight years, I'm still excited about this project."
Kinser said she wanted to start a teen court last year, but some questions were raised about the confidentiality of the juveniles
on trial.
Over a period of several months, Kinser corresponded with Joseph Lambert, Kentucky's chief justice, about the concerns. Not
only did Lambert tell Kinser that teen court was "legal and sound," but he also wrote that "he hoped teen court flourished throughout Kentucky
and especially in Oldham County," she said.
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Crestwood attorney Angela Funke has volunteered to train the teens.
Funke said she was sold on teen court when she attended a state Teen Board convention in Frankfort two years ago and saw
teens act out the legal process in a mock trial.
"It was exciting to see how the kids really enjoyed that," she said.
She's seen the real version of teen court work in Jefferson County too, she said. "I've seen how it benefits our
kids in the community."
Funke said the teens take the responsibility seriously. "Kids in high school today are certainly more adult than teens 20 years
ago," she said. "They can make that commitment, especially when they feel like adults."
Anyone interested in participating can call Kinser at 222-0896 or attend the group's first training session at 4 p.m. Aug.
24 in the Oldham County district courtroom.
This article is a reprint from The Courier-Journal's Neighborhood section. The article was featured
on Tuesday, July 11, 2000 and was written by Tonia Holbrook.
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