What is the Trial By Peers Program? TBP is an innovative diversion program used as an alternative for first time and some second time juvenile offenders. This program allows juveniles charged with misdemeanors to be tried, represented, and sentenced by their peers; other teens. TBP, of the Clark County Law Foundation works in cooperation with the Clark County Bar Association and the Department of Family and Youth Services and is based on the Youth Court concept.

Overview of the Youth Court Concept Peer pressure is a common occurrence during adolescence. Unfortunately, many times this works in a negative way. Research suggests that there is a direct correlation between delinquent behavior and association with delinquent peers. With this in mind, youth courts attempt to capitalize on the concept of positive peer influence. In youth courts, a peer jury imposes a sentence instead of adults, sending a strong message to the juvenile in trouble that their peers do not agree with their actions and that their behavior is unacceptable.

Youth courts, also referred to as teen courts or peer courts, serve primarily two functions. One is to hold juveniles accountable for their actions. Two is by allowing juveniles in the community to enhance life skills, such as problem solving, communication, and conflict resolution. Both groups of juveniles get hands on experience with in the legal system. Concepts emphasized in youth court not only include accountability and involvement but youth empowerment, competency development, and positive peer influence.

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Case Referral
Cases eligible for TBP are referred by Juvenile Intake.

Case Procedure
Once the case is referred to TBP, it is assigned to a court date depending on if the minor is admitting or denying the charge. Court dates vary per month depending on the days judges volunteer their courtroom to hear proceedings. Elected judges in Clark County hear cases for TBP after their daily court docket. Thus, TBP court is held in the evenings at 5:30 p.m. If the minor is admitting to the charge, s/he will appear before the jury for sentencing. If the minor is denying the charge, peer prosecution and defense counselors work with Nevada licensed attorneys in preparation for trial, including the subpoenaing of witnesses. If the case proceeds to trial, the first phase will determine the guilt or innocence of the minor. If found not guilty, the case is dismissed. If found guilty, the case continues on to the second phase, sentencing. The defendant is given one month to complete his/her sentence. If completed satisfactorily, the juvenile's record will simply reflect "Referred to Peer Court". If the defendant fails to comply with sentencing, the judge can amend the sentence with additional requirements or send the case back to Juvenile Intake.

Sentencing Options
Community service (8-40 hours) and sitting on the TBP jury (1-3) are mandatory sentencing requirements for all guilty defendants in TBP. Optional sentences include letters of apology, essays (250-1000 words), counseling, restitution, and other unique sentencing options recommended by the peer jury and approved by the judge.

Counselors

• Afford an opportunity for youth to play a positive role in the administration of justice.
• Develop an understanding and respect for the law through classroom education and hands on experience.
• Gain insight into the inner workings of the law by working with local judges, attorneys and law enforcement officers.
• Have a positive influence on peers.
• Gain leadership capabilities by working on the Peer Advisory Board.
• Gain knowledge in public speaking, research, ethics, and other life skills.
• Learn how to listen effectively, enhance conflict resolution skills, and broaden communication skills.

Defendants

• Deters future offenses by exposing them to judgement by their peers.
• Resolve legal problems without receiving a criminal record or hiring an attorney.
• Gain a new perspective of the law by serving on jury duty.
• See what it is like to help the community through community service instead of hurting the community by breaking the law.

Community

• The community receives valuable service through the mandatory requirement of community service and jury duty.
• TBP reduces the volume of cases burdening the juvenile system by offering an alternative that is proven successful in lessening repeated offenses.
• TBP lowers the cost within the court system by alleviating those people who would have had to work the case had it not been diverted. TBP is a non-profit organization that does not charge defendants to go through the program. Judges, attorneys, and counselors strictly volunteer their time.

TBP is a non-profit organization. TBP's survival primarily depends on grants, donations, and committed volunteers. If you find this a worthwhile program and would like to make a tax-deductible donation, please contact the Public Services Department of the Clark County Bar Association at (702) 387-6011. The Community's support is always needed and appreciated.

Clark County Law Foundation
Trial By Peers
P.O. Box 657
Las Vegas, NV 89125
Telephone: (702) 387-6011
Fax: (702) 387-7867
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