Miller & Martin Attorneys Contribute to Launch of Hamilton County's First Youth Court Program

March 10, 2014

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Hamilton County Juvenile Court, the Tennessee Bar Association, Miller & Martin PLLC and BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee launched training for a student-run Youth Court program on Saturday, March 8, 2014 and Sunday, March 9, 2014 at Hamilton County Juvenile Court. While new to Hamilton County, this outreach initiative has proven successful in 16 other courts throughout Tennessee, as well as nationally. Four area schools have been selected to participate, with the principals and staff actively recruiting and selecting students.

"The Youth Court is a diversionary program designed to take non-violent, first time offenders out of the traditional court system and allow them the opportunity to have their cases heard by a jury of peers, kids their own age. The defendants have already admitted guilt and the Youth Court is utilized to determine proper restorative justice," explained Judge Rob Philyaw, Hamilton County Juvenile Court Judge. "Sentences are designed not to punish but to educate the offender on the cost of their offense to themselves, parents, and the community."

Ultimately, participants will take on the roles of prosecutors, defense attorneys, bailiff, court clerk and jury members. Attorneys from Miller & Martin and BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee will partner with students to provide assistance and direction in case preparation, testimony and legal questions. An attorney will facilitate as the judge The Youth Court will hear its first courtroom cases later this spring. "Based on similar programs, we expect this to be a successful and ongoing initiative," said Boyd Patterson, Prosecutor, Hamilton County Juvenile Court.

"We are involved in this initiative not only to strengthen our community, but also to provide real-world experience in career fields students may pursue after graduation," stated Randy Wilson, a Member with Miller & Martin.