SETTING UP THE TEEN COURT
A disused courtroom in Watford was appropriated and over 40 children were recruited to fulfil the roles of lawyers, ushers, court clerks and jurors. The children came from over 30 schools around the UK: from the exclusive girls' public school, Roedean, in Brighton, to the inner-city schools of Glasgow, Manchester, Cardiff and Portsmouth. Recruits also came via the Youth Parliament and various other teenage youth groups.
Hundreds of British teenagers were interviewed about their thoughts and opinions on teenage crime in Britain today.
Aged 16 and under, all these volunteers came from a range of backgrounds - from the high achievers, to those who have left school behind - and each with their own set of beliefs and opinions on how the police should be dealing with teenagers and the crimes they commit.
Eight children were selected to be Teen Lawyers - many wanted to follow a legal career, whilst others simply wanted to make a stand.
All these teenagers had advocacy training over one weekend at the Middle Temple in London. Their trainers were recruited with the help of the Bar Council and included a Recorder (part-time judge).
Key elements of the training included:- Teen court procedure
- Behaviour and courtroom etiquette
- Interviewing client techniques
- Formulating an argument, asking questions and cross examination
- Public speaking and case presentations
- Sentencing considerations
