With the start of the school year comes the start of a new session for Southampton Town’s Youth Court. The program is a way for high school students to earn community service credits and build their college résumé, while learning about the criminal justice system. High schoolers work together to hold real trials for juvenile offenders, and a jury decides on a sentence for the offender. Cases heard in youth court range from trespassing, driving without a license, and under-age drinking to harassment, possession, and theft.
All teenagers living in Southampton Town who are enrolled in 9th through 12th grades can participate. Youth court is in session every Monday night, starting Oct. 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Southampton Town Justice Court in Hampton Bays. Transportation is available to students living east of the Shinnecock Canal. More information is available by calling 631-702-2424.
The Town of East Hampton no longer has a youth court.