Teen Court Helps Young Offenders Take Responsibility
Berkeley County Teen Court Coordinator Lou Anne Kramer explained at the event that she is extremely proud of how far the students who participate in the program have come.
Teen court provides the opportunity for teenagers to meet and work with others in Berkeley County, including influential members of the Berkeley County community, such as judges, attorneys and educators; to participate in a hands-on educational opportunity to better understand the legal system; and build self-esteem in safe environments.
Teen volunteers must be under 18 years of age and must also be in satisfactory academic standing, respect the Oath of Confidentiality, demonstrate maturity, respect and reliability and be recommended by a school official. A youth may only appear in teen court once within a two-year period,” the official website said.
This year’s event is going to be hosted by George Mason University, and Strack will get to participate in conversations with attorneys general, attorneys and more, as well as be a part of mock trials and listen to keynote speakers.
“I fully believe that people like yourself and every other person in this courtroom have a story to tell
Judge Bridget Cohee of the West Virginia 23rd Judicial Circuit was there to watch the trial in the courtroom and give feedback to the students. Additionally, Bowles Rice associate attorney Hannah French and Jake Mills, associate at The Criminal Law Center, Kevin D. Mills & Associates PLLC, offered feedback as well. Berkeley County Teen Court Coordinator Lou Anne Kramer explained at the event that she is extremely proud of how far the students who participate in the program have come. Teen court provides the opportunity for teenagers to meet and work with others in Berkeley County , including influential members of the Berkeley County community, such as judges, attorneys and educators; to participate in a hands-on educational opportunity to better understand the legal system; and build self-esteem in safe environments. Teen volunteers must be under 18 years of age and must also be in satisfactory academic standing, respect the Oath of Confidentiality, demonstrate maturity, respect and reliability and be recommended by a school official.Offender eligibility is the same, regarding age, with requirements to be under 18 and to have allegedly committed a status offense or an act of delinquency equivalent to a misdemeanor if committed by an adult.The decision to extend the option to enter the teen court as an alternative procedure is made by the local circuit court if the court finds that the youth is suitable for the program.“The youth must consent to participation in the program, as must his or her parent or guardian. A youth may only appear in teen court once within a two-year period,” the official website said.Additionally at the event, Taylor Strack, who played the defense attorney for the mock trial for the night, received a surprise award from Greg Puckett, from the WV Teen Court Association. She received a check to attend a large conference coming up.This year’s event is going to be hosted by George Mason University, and Strack will get to participate in conversations with attorneys general, attorneys and more, as well as be a part of mock trials and listen to keynote speakers.“I fully believe that people like yourself and every other person in this courtroom have a story to tell,” Puckett said to Strack. “You have to be able to tell that story about what West Virginia is, what Martinsburg is, Berkeley County . Make us all proud; you are doing a great job.”
