On October 27,2008 ninety teens from local schools attended Teen Court's yearly training program and mock trial. The event, which was conducted by high school students from Bastrop High School and Prairie View Academy along with local attorney Scotty W. Lowery, was held in the courtroom at the Morehouse Parish Courthouse.
Joy Ballard, a Bastrop High School Junior, began the program by welcoming everyone. She spoke of her personal experiences and works in the Teen Court program. Paige Coleman, a Bastrop High Freshman, discussed the qualifications for Teen Court membership.
Ballard introduced Chief Criminal Deputy Brian Shoemaker with the Morehouse Parish Sheriff s Department who spoke to those in attendance about being involved in the community.
Shoemaker stated there are many ways our youth can serve our community to make it a better place in which to live and being a Teen Court volunteer is one of those ways.
Paige Coleman, who portrayed the role of prosecuting attorney, and Skylar Harrell, a Bastrop High Senior who was defense counsel, performed this year's mock trial. Leo Oliver, a Bastrop High Senior, served as the juvenile offender for the proceedings. Skylar Ferrell, a Prairie View Academy Freshman, served as the Clerk of Court and Jacoby King, a Bastrop High Freshman, served as the Bailiff. Scotty Lowery, serving as Judge, was the only adult figure during the proceedings. All Teen Court proceedings are conducted by Teen Court volunteers from local schools with local attorneys-at-law, such as Mr. Lowery, presiding over the proceedings.
Present and assisting with this year's program were Teen Court President, Cheryl White, Dy. Joe Evans, Dy. Frank Day, Sgt. Mike White, Teen Court Administrator Myra Tullos and Assistant Joyce Lowery.
Teen Court is an alternative approach to juvenile justice that holds first time youth offenders accountable by a sentence imposed upon them by a jury of their peers. Specifically, Teen Court helps youth to realize they will be held accountable for their conduct; educates youth on the impact of their action on themselves and their victims; provides a place for youth to become a meaningful part of their community; allows youth to interact with their peers from other local schools, social, economic and varying backgrounds and provides the opportunity to interact with positive adult role models. Teen Court offers education and a "hands-on" experience in the juvenile justice system to community youth who volunteer with the program.
Teen Court of Morehouse, Louisiana, Inc. is presently supported by the Louisiana Bar Foundation, City of Bastrop, Morehouse Parish Police Jury and Morehouse United Way. Any youth between the ages of 14 and 17 interested in participating in the program may call 281-8222.
