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The LaGrange County Teen Court is hosting an open house at the LaGrange County Court House at 6 p.m. Oct. 15.
The program agenda will showcase the program, but more importantly showcase some teens doing great things for their community. A key component of the program is the involvement of all LaGrange County middle, junior and high school age students.
LaGrange County Teen Court began in May 1995, as collaboration between Circuit Court Judge J. Scott VanDerbeck, the Prosecutor’s office and the Division of Family and Children in LaGrange County, Indiana. The Program is currently under the supervision of Circuit Court Judge J. Scott VanDerbeck.
Teen Court hearings are held in the LaGrange County Courthouse, Circuit Courtroom on the second floor. The sessions are held on weeknights as needed. Hearings begin at 6 p.m., the doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Student volunteers in grades 6-12 from all of the LaGrange County schools serve as jurors, lawyers, judge and bailiff. The facts of the case are presented; the lawyers question the student and parent about the incident, the jury decides on an appropriate sentence. Only cases in which the offender admits guilt are eligible for the Teen Court program. Students may only utilize Teen Court once per calendar year from the date of their offense if they are sent through a school.
Sentences normally include a combination of community service, apologies, essays, and service as a Teen Court juror. The offender would have 45 days to complete their sentencing requirements.
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