Volunteers

ATTORNEYS - Never give your cases to someone else. Arrive at 5:30 p.m. and meet with your client and his/her parents.*

ADULT VOLUNTEERS: - Arrive At 5:00 p.m.*

JURORS: - Arrive at 5:30 p.m., DRESS UP; DO NOT JOKE AROUND!!! Be prepared to deliberate in a timely manner.*

* Notify Teen Court as soon as possible if you will be absent. (915) 546-2050

PROSECUTING ATTORNEY

Represents the State in Pleas and Jury Trials for the Teen Court Program. The prosecutor has the responsibility to seek justice and to advocate for a verdict based on the severity of the offense. The prosecuting attorney will prepare for the case. The prosecutor will be provided with facts regarding the particular case to be heard. (NOTE: In Teen Court each defendant has entered a plea of guilty or no contest; therefore, Teen Court juries decide the “sentence,” not innocence or guilt). In the broad view, the prosecutor represents the public’s interest in enforcing the criminal law strictly but fairly. The prosecutor also has a duty to maintain public respect for the system. The prosecutor will make an opening statement, will question the defendant, and make a closing argument to the jury.

Duties:

1. Review complaint jacket with Teen Court Coordinator and process case according to assigned procedure.
2. Process case by:
• Discussing defendant’s case with defense attorney and submitting agreed upon plea to Judge in plea-bargain cases; or
• Presenting state’s case to Judge and Jury with opening statement, direct examination, cross examination and closing arguments in a jury trial.
• Recommending an appropriate sentence.
3. Meet with Adult Volunteers and Teen Court Coordinator following court session for debriefing.

Qualifications:
Applicant must be enrolled as a full-time student in a secondary school in El Paso County.

Training:
Applicant must complete Teen Court Volunteer training.

Responsible To:
Teen Court Coordinator or designated Adult Volunteer.

Time Required:
A minimum of one semester.

DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Represents teen defendants in Pleas, Master Juries and Jury Trials in the Teen Court Program. The defense attorney is an advocate for the defendant. The defendant should be represented in the best possible light. While the defense attorney must zealously seek to help his/her client, he/she must never misrepresent the case. Defense counsel must not represent persons so personally repugnant that his/her ability to represent them effectively is impaired. Like the prosecutor, the defense counsel has the duty to maintain public respect for the system. The defense attorney will have the opportunity to meet with the defendant and prepare his/her case. The defense attorney will be allowed to make an opening statement, to question the defendant, and to make a closing argument. The defense attorney will interview the defendant to learn the circumstances surrounding the offense. The defense attorney does not encourage the defendant to change his/her story in hopes of a lighter verdict, but stresses that the defendant must remain true to the facts. At this time, the defense attorney should also familiarize the defendant with the hearing proceedings.

Duties:

1. Review complaint jacket with the Teen Court Coordinator and process case according to assigned procedure.
2. Process cases by:
• Discussing defendant’s case with the Prosecuting attorney and submitting agreed upon pleas to Judge in plea-bargain cases; or
• Advising defendant regarding case facts, procedures and methods of testimony prior to defendant’s appearance before the Master Jury; or
• Presenting defendant’s case to judge and jury with opening statement, direct examination, cross examination, and closing arguments in a jury trial.
• Requesting appropriate sentence.
3. Meet with Adult Volunteers and Teen Court Coordinator following court session for debriefing.

Qualifications:
Applicant must be enrolled as a full-time student in a secondary school in El Paso County.

Training:
Applicant must complete Teen Court Volunteer training.

Responsible To:
Teen Court Coordinator or designated Adult Volunteer.

Time Required:
One semester

JURY MONITOR

Description:
Sits in jury deliberation room to ensure that deliberations are done in a timely and constructive manner.

Duties:

1. Reviews Jury Recommendation with jury members.
2. Discusses any questions jurors may have regarding instructions from the judge.
3. Ensures that deliberations are done in a timely and constructive manner.

Qualifications:
Monitor must be able to communicate effectively. Monitor must be able to instruct youth in jury deliberation proceedings and redirect inappropriate behavior.

Training:
Monitor must complete application. Monitor must complete Teen court Adult Volunteer training and assist with Teen Volunteer training.

Responsible To:
Teen court Coordinator

Time Required:
A minimum of one evening per month after training.

JUDGE

Must be an Attorney or Judge in the El Paso Community.

JUROR

Description:
Listens to the facts of the case and decides appropriate sentence.

Duties:

1. Select to Jury foreman who will initiate the sentencing process.
2. Listens to the facts and limited extenuating circumstances of the case.
3. Deliberate with fellow jury members and reach a unanimous decision for sentence.
4. Request assistance from Teen Court Staff at any time during proceeding. Complete Jury Recommendation form.
5. Meet with Adult Volunteers and Teen Court Coordinator following court session for debriefing.

Qualifications:
Applicant must be enrolled as a full-time student in a secondary school in El Paso County

Training:
Applicant must complete Teen Court Volunteer training.

Responsible to:
Teen Court Coordinator or designated Adult Volunteer

Time Required:
A minimum of one evening per month after training.

Length of Commitment:
One Semester.

BAILIFF

Description:
Assist Judge, Jury Monitor and Court Clerk in maintaining order in the Courtroom, Master Jury room and Jury Deliberation room in processing of cases.

Duties:

1. Announces the beginning of the court session and the presiding Judge.
2. Maintain order during courtroom session according to instruction of Judge Jury monitor, or Teen Court Coordinator.
3. Report any disruptive activity to Teen Court Coordinator or designated Adult Volunteer.
4. Assist defendants, jury members and families in finding their seat.
5. Report to the Teen Court Coordinator or designated Adult Volunteer prior to court session for room assignment.

Qualifications:
Bailiff must be enrolled as a full-time student in a secondary school in El Paso County.

Training:
Bailiff must complete Teen Court Volunteer Training.

Responsible to:
Teen Court Coordinator or designated Adult Volunteer

Time Required:
A minimum of one semester after training.