Youth Court Inducts New Members

Huntington's Youth Court Program added 56 students to its ranks during a ceremony held at Tuesday.

Joining more than 100 other high schoolers from Huntington, the organization works to hold youth accountable for misconduct in an effort to prevent teen violence, while also providing an educational legal process experience, according to a press release from Town Board member Mark Cuthbertson, who initiated the program.

Youth Court participants regularly hear cases on low-level misdemeanors such as shoplifting or vandalism. Offenders have already pleaded guilty and agree to be judged by a jury of peers. The jury may impose a sentence that includes community service, a written or verbal apology to the victim, written essays pertaining to the crime, counseling sessions, a jail tour, mandatory participation in a peer discussion group and mandatory jury duty.

Program coordinator Maria Danisi works with school volunteers who serve in a simulated courtroom proceeding to determine sentencing for first-time, non-violent offenders, according to a town press release. Members rotate in groups of 20 and perform as defending and prosecuting attorney, judge, bailiff and jury.   

"It is exciting to see how this program has grown and matured over the past twelve years," said Cuthbertson, in a release. “I would like to personally thank and commend the Youth Court’s past and present coordinators, Ms. Corrine Lesko and Ms. Maria Danisi for their outstanding dedication and contributions to this innovative program."