Access Restricted to Northwestern Law CommunityPeer Juries
The Children and Family Justice Center helped train and prepare teachers and youth for a pilot program in 21 Chicago Public high schools where panels comprised of youths hear infractions by classmates for such things as:
- persistent tardiness
- failure to abide by a dress code
- obscene or offensive language or gestures
- possession of tobacco products
- fights between two individuals
- forgeries
- cheating and copying of work
Panel members question their fellow teen, and then with the help of an adult moderator, help determine the consequences for a disciplinary offense. There are no defense or prosecuting attorneys or judges. Suspension and expulsion are not among the alternatives for the teens but spending time in an after school program, participating in community service projects, and counseling are considered.
The peer jury concept allows young people an opportunity to play an active role in the justice process and to have a say in addressing problems affecting their lives and community.
