Manatee County Teen Court Offers Volunteer Attorney Training

Manatee County Teen Court is offering a series of training classes to teenagers who want to volunteer as attorneys in the youth volunteer program. 

The volunteer attorney training series will take place over three weeks in October form 5:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. The classes take place Oct. 11, 18 and 25. at the , 4^th Floor, 1051 Manatee Avenue West.

Teen Court and Teen Court Too are real courtroom experiences for first-time juvenile offenders. Rather than go before a juvenile court judge youth ages 10 to 17, who admit that they are guilty of selected misdemeanor offenses and some court-ordered non-violent felony cases, have their cases heard by a jury of their peers.

Youth volunteers fill the crucial roles of prosecuting and defense attorneys. A background of legal studies is not required, but an interest in the judicial system and the role of attorneys is a plus.  

During this training series, youngsters who are interested in becoming Teen Court and Teen Court Too attorneys will receive training from practicing attorneys on courtroom decorum, questioning, objecting and code of conduct.

For information or to sign up for the volunteer training series, contact Sue Lockliear or Rina Madrid at (941)-741-4027, or visit the Clerk of the Circuit Court's teen court page.