Volunteers Sought for Teen Court Attorneys

BRADENTON, FL – Have you ever daydreamed about “Law & Order” while working on your homework?

The Manatee County Teen Court and Teen Court Too are looking for youth volunteers to fill the rolls of prosecuting and defense attorneys. No legal studies background is needed, although an interest in the judicial system and the role of an attorney is a plus.

The Manatee Clerk of the Court & Comptroller Office will host a youth volunteer attorney training seminar for students age 12-17 on Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Palmetto Historical Park, 515 10th Ave. W., Palmetto. The deadline to register for the seminar is Wednesday, April 27.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided during the event.

Teen Court and Teen Court Too are real courtroom experiences for first-time juvenile offenders. Youths age 10-17 who admit guilt of selected misdemeanor offenses and some court-ordered, non-violent felony cases are heard by a jury of their peers instead of going before a Juvenile Court Judge.

During the training, youths who are interested in becoming Teen Court and Teen Court Too attorneys will receive training from practicing attorneys on questioning, objecting, courtroom decorum and code of conduct.

For more information or to register for the attorney volunteer training series, contact Sue Lockliear or Rina Madrid at (941) 741-4027 or visit the Clerk of the Circuit Court website.

Image via Shutterstock

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