Youth Opportunities
Jury Duty - Attending court and being a decision-maker on a peer jury is the first step for a youth volunteer. The jury determines the sentence for the youth offender.
The Law & Justice Program - Develops and supports youth to be the peer Attorneys, Bailiffs, & Clerks who make Youth Court happen!
Ways to join the Law & Justice Program...
Which best fits you?
Accelerated Apprentice Program: For youth offenders while completing their sentence.
Youth Law Basic Training: Generally offered twice a year for any youth in Alameda County ages 13—17.
Novice Program: For youth ages 11-13 to prepare them to enter the Youth Law Program.
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Law & Justice Leadership Program |
Lead Attorneys (10): Work with staff on outreach, recruitment, training, planning, facilitating Law Clubs, and coordinating/conducting Attorney activities at Court Nights.
Attorney Training - Youth who show a sustained interest in MYC become eligible to attend a four-week Attorney Training and become youth attorneys. During this training, youth learn to make opening statements and closing arguments for the prosecution and defense, read police reports, question jurors, make objections, and speak in public before groups. After this training, youth attorneys will prosecute and defend youth offenders during youth court sentencing hearings.
Lead Bailiffs (8): Work with staff on Juror outreach and training, as well as outreach, recruitment, training, planning, and facilitating for the Bailiff Program.
Lead Clerks (8): Work with staff on Court processes, Court Night coordination, outreach, recruitment, training, & planning, and facilitating for the Clerk Program.
Law & Justice Summer Institute: Youth participate in intensive legal education, skills building, team building, mentoring by Adult Attorneys, Mock Court, recreation, and fun each summer on a college campus for 3-4 days/nights.
Youth on the Board of Directors: Presently, one youth sits on the MYC Board of Directors and is in the process of being trained using Youth on Board materials. This youth member will be matched with an adult mentor board member for support and guidance. Other youth positions on the MYC Board may arise.