The Harlem Youth Court engages teenagers who have had minor police contact or who have been truant. These youth "respondents" can have their cases heard and decided by a jury of their peers—other teens from the neighborhood who have been trained to perform the roles of judge, jury and attorneys. Youth Court respondents receive peer-imposed sanctions that are both educational and restorative to the community. Youth Court empowers young people to take responsibility for standards of behavior in their community and to be accountable to each other.
