What is an essential component of the Teen Court model?

The essential component of the Teen Court model is the involvement of peers in the sentencing process. This model is designed to empower juveniles by utilizing their peers to facilitate part of the legal proceedings. In this context, young people are responsible for determining appropriate sentences for their peers who have committed minor offenses. This process encourages accountability and provides a more relatable form of justice, as the sentences are developed and proposed by individuals of the same age group who can better understand the behaviors and social circumstances involved.

This peer involvement can enhance the rehabilitative aspect of the justice system for juveniles, fostering a sense of responsibility and promoting better decision-making among participants. It allows for a unique perspective on the offender's actions and the consequences that should be addressed, making it a fundamental aspect of the Teen Court model. Other components may support the system, but the peer involvement aspect truly defines the innovative approach of Teen Court.