Student Court

 

  

OUR MISSION:

Promote community connection in order to create

responsible and productive student and community

 

Disposition options include a variety of school-based and community-based community service placements, tutoring, life enhancement alternative programs, essays, research papers, and letters of apology.  Black Hills High School Student Court is based on an peer jury model where young people are trained in, and fill the role of jury who question the respondent or other witnesses before deliberating and deciding upon a disposition. Various aspects of the school rule violation are discussed along with any mitigating circumstances.  Respondents who choose the Student Court program do so voluntarily, accepting the consequences for their actions. 

 ·         Student Court aids in reducing the truancy rate, reducing recidivism and providing an alternative to suspension.

·         Students learn from their behavior because of early intervention through positive peer influence.

·         The program allows the student to make amends and be accountable for their actions, and discover how their actions affect others.

·         Student Court helps develop a healthy attitude toward authority, rules, and connects students to their communities.

·         There is confidential handling of cases.

 

What is the court’s purpose statement?

Promote community connection in order to create responsible and productive student and community members.

 

What are the goals of the Student court (e.g., restorative justice)?

Reduce suspensions         

Early intervention

Restorative justice – Personal Development/Skill Building, Accountability and Community Safety

Strengthen communities

 

How much time do you have to train students before they start their service in Student court?

3 hours of mandatory training on September 29th, 2012 in Room 209.

All jurors rotate as “Presiding Juror”. 

Additional trainings provided through the year.

 

What roles do the volunteers play in student court, and what does each role involve?

Presiding Juror (Student): Responsible for assisting the Advisor in the completion of court documents, overseeing and organizing the jury through the deliberation process, announcing the disposition.

Juror (Student): Responsible for deciding the terms of the disposition for the respondent’s behavior.

 

What types of violations CAN the Student Court hear? 

 

Bullying and harassment

            Low level

            Non-threatening

            Texting

Computer violations

            Not suspension level (minor)

Disrespectful language

Disruptive behavior & misconduct (including with guest educators)

Dress code violations (except gang-related)

Electronic devices

            Cell phone

            I-pod

 

Public Display of Affection

School code violations (minor)

            Students without hall pass

 

What types of violations are NOT allowed to come before the Student Court?

Alcohol violations

Criminal activity

            Vandalism

            Weapons

Fighting & physical confrontations

Gang-related activity

Racism including language

“Sexting”

Theft

Tobacco violation

Willful disobedience, failure to comply

 

How are the respondents referred to your Student court?

School administration and staff may refer respondents.

 

What are the steps in your hearing?

Case called.

Oath of confidentiality.

Court questions the respondent about the referral and the incident

Court deliberates.

Disposition announced to respondent. 

Case concluded; court adjourns.

 

What is your range of possible dispositions?

Community Service

Counseling/ Mediation

Essays/ Letter of apology

Restitution

Tutoring

Other creative dispositions

 

THE PROCESS

 

Black Hills High School Student Court hearings shall be cordial and professional. The focus must always be on problem solving and using restorative justice principles.  At the close of each hearing, all parties will sign a contract indicating their understanding of the disposition. All parties shall be informed and understand that failure to comply as required may cause the case to be returned to the referring agency.

Deliberation & Disposition                                               TOTAL TIME:         Approximately ½ hour

 

CONFIDENTIALITY

 

 Student Court members perform an important role in assisting students to establish accountability for their actions. Additionally, student court members, advisors, and clerk/bailiff do not discuss the content of Student Court hearings. We will never discuss specifics of a hearing or use a student or family name.

  

APPRORIATE COURTROOM CONDUCT AND ATTIRE

 

 Conduct/Attire

Arrive on time -  promptness is essential

Keep an open mind

Listen carefully to all witnesses and the respondent