Teen Court
Repay your community and start a new chapter — with a court of your peers.
What is Teen Court?
Teen Court offers youths in Whatcom County an alternative to the traditional justice system. It’s modeled on the idea of Restorative Justice, which achieves accountability through healing, repairing past harms, and strengthening community rather than punishment.
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The respondent is someone aged 12 to 17 charged with a low-level offense in Whatcom County.
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Other members of the court are teens who volunteer through their schools. They take the roles of jurors, judges, clerks, bailiffs, and advocates (Teen Court’s version of attorneys).
How does it work?
Your judge in Whatcom County Court may give you the option of going to Teen Court. In Teen Court, a judge and jury of your peers will decide how you can repair the harm from your offense.
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The results of Teen Court are officially recognized by the county court system. If you fulfill your obligations through Teen Court, you won’t be sentenced by a county judge.
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More than 95% of youth respondents complete their contracts through Teen Court.
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Respondents often respect the judgment of their peers more than those handed down by adults.​​
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They have a better sense of the harm they caused and appreciate the chance to repair it. ​
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This type of Restorative Justice reduces recidivism and benefits the entire community.
How do students join Teen Court?
High school students in Whatcom County can serve as judges, advocates, and other members of the court by joining the Teen Court club at their school. Each club has a teacher advisor who trains each person on their role.
Participating in Teen Court gives students an intro to the legal system and a chance to serve their community.