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THE PESA POST
The latest news, views and announcements from
Parents, Educators/Teachers & Students in Action

July 21, 2022
JUSTICE DOESN’T TAKE SUMMER OFF

Sure, they could be relaxing at the beach, but instead, these teens are using their break to help young offenders engage in transformative justice practices 
Last week kicked off summer sessions for the Los Angeles Superior Court Teen Court Program, with 13 high-school jurors ready to participate. Teen Court provides a transformative justice approach for diverted youth to explain their perspective, take responsibility for their actions, accept rehabilitative conditions focused on holistic support services, and have their record sealed upon successful completion of the diversion program. It is an opportunity provided at the intersectionality of a second chance and personal accountability. Additionally, Teen Court allows minors to exercise their Sixth Amendment right to due process before a jury of their peers. The success of Teen Court speaks for itself: Since 1992, 94% of minors who have completed the Los Angeles Superior Court Teen Court Program have not committed another offense. PESA has proctored these Teen Court sessions for eight years and administered services to diverted youth for four years. 

The first case of the week involved a minor who had sent an inappropriate, sexually-oriented video to other students. Through his Teen Court session, the minor was able to interact with a jury of fellow high school students, who asked questions guiding him to reflect on his actions, while ensuring all facts of the case were brought to light. 
As a result of the jury’s verdict, this minor will receive the support of PESA, to help ensure he completes 20 hours of community service at an organization that works with victims of sexual assualt; writes a letter of apology; and attends individual counseling, among other recommended diversion conditions. At PESA, we have witnessed how these diversion conditions refocus a minor’s life and facilitate an understanding of their own actions, far more than time spent in a juvenile hall.  

The presiding judge of this session, Judge Joe Burghardt, remarked on the impact of the student jury. “The jurors in this trial, as in all Teen Court trials, seemed very interested and well-prepared. They do a really good job of getting to the bottom of things, taking it seriously and trying to help [the minor on trial]. I’m really glad to be a part of Teen Court.” 

The second case of the week involved a minor who had lit a paper towel on fire while on campus. Thinking he had extinguished the flame, he then accidentally set a school trash can on fire. Throughout the Teen Court session, the jury of high school students emphasized to the minor the difference between joking around and dangerous activities. It became clear that the minor had been acting out for some time, without supportive resources to redirect his behavior. The jury determined that multiple diversion services provided by PESA could support the minor in changing his behavior, through learning how his actions affect his personal life and his community.  

As a result, this minor will receive the support of PESA, to ensure he completes one essay on the dangers of arson, another about his future career goals, and that he attends tutoring services, among other recommended diversion conditions. 

The presiding judge of this session, Judge Lee Tsao, addressed the minor before adjournment. “You still have time to become a better student and a better son,” he said. “Plenty of time. But if you continue down this road, you’re going to fall further and further behind, and that is my concern for you. We all want you to succeed. The time is now, to make that turnaround.” This minor has already taken the first step to successfully making that turnaround, through his willingness to participate in the diversion services provided by PESA, to help him reshape his life choices.

Both of the cases last week highlight why PESA believes it is crucial to continue empowering youth through the Teen Court process and the accompanying diversion services. We look forward to more successfully diverted youth in the upcoming sessions throughout this summer. ■

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