A Peer Court jury is sworn in.

A youth who crashed their parents’ car after a joyride with friends sits in a courtroom at the Oklahoma County Juvenile Bureau (OCJB) while their defense attorney whispers to them just before the State begins their opening statements. There is one notable difference about this courtroom — the jury is made up of other justice-involved youth.

The State addresses the jury and makes suggestions for sentencing.  

In this non-traditional adjudication and sentencing process known as Peer Court, youth are given an alternative to the typical juvenile court scenario. Peer court is a restorative justice initiative where young people involved with the justice system function as a court for other youth. The program provides accountability, exposes participants to the inner workings of the courtroom, and aims to reduce contact with the criminal legal system.  

Ahead of their court date, participants in Peer Court submit a Statement of Culpability, which serves as an admission of responsibility for the alleged offense. This includes acknowledging their actions, taking ownership, and expressing genuine remorse. In court, the prosecution and defense make opening statements and offer suggestions for sentencing. Then, the participant is given the opportunity to address the jury before deliberations. In this court, sentences usually consist of community service, an essay over the detrimental effects of their actions, and their participation as a juror in a future peer court trial.

The jury, guided by an advocate with the Oklahoma County Juvenile Bureau (OCJB), deliberates the case and the youth share their perspectives on the case through the lens of their own experiences with the system. OCJB aims to have local high school students fill the roles of prosecutor and defense attorneys as the program continues to grow. This will help them gain skills in critical thinking, advocacy, and public speaking. Law students will also act as mentors, where they will hone their skills in translating legal concepts into easily understood ideas.

The jury deliberates the case and their suggested sentencing.

Peer courts have existed across the United States for many years but are new to Oklahoma County and are made possible through Citizens for Juvenile Justice and the Arnall Community Funds at Oklahoma City Community Foundation. Variations of the program exist where the position of judge is also carried out by youth, but for now Associate District Judge Angela Singleton presides over Oklahoma County’s Peer Court.

We are excited that this program is now operating in Oklahoma County. The Arnall Family Foundation is proud to support unique approaches to minimizing youth contact with the criminal legal system and creating futures that are full of opportunity; unburdened by a criminal record.