What is Anchorage Youth Court?
Anchorage Youth Court (“AYC”) provides the opportunity for youth in grades 7 through 12 who are accused of breaking the law to be judged by their peers. The roles of attorneys, judges, bailiffs, clerks, and jurors are filled by youth. Anchorage Youth Court members develop and apply an understanding of the law through legal education, Anchorage Youth Court Bar Association membership, and actual participation in AYC court hearings. Defendants are afforded a chance, in a court hearing by trained local youth, to resolve their legal problems without receiving a formal juvenile record. The community benefits by receiving valuable work service as redress for the wrongs committed.
In order to become members of the Anchorage Youth Court, youth complete a class about basic legal principles and practices. The Anchorage Youth Court Bar Association holds meetings on a regular basis. At the meetings, members participate in activities designed to give a broader perspective of the judicial system and restorative justice. Activities may include workshops, mock sentencings, speakers, or movies about the judicial system.
In order to become members of the Anchorage Youth Court, youth complete a class about basic legal principles and practices. The Anchorage Youth Court Bar Association holds meetings on a regular basis. At the meetings, members participate in activities designed to give a broader perspective of the judicial system and restorative justice. Activities may include workshops, mock sentencings, speakers, or movies about the judicial system.
Who goes through AYC?
A defendant is usually a first time offender. However, AYC does accept cases that are not the defendant's first offense. The Alaska Division of Juvenile Justice refers defendants to AYC. If the defendant pleads no contest, he or she is sentenced at that time by youth judges. AYC can also hold full trials in which a defendant (1) can essentially plead not guilty (the legal terms are different for juveniles) and (2) is tried by a jury of other youth or a panel of youth judges. Upon a finding of guilt, there is no formal record if the defendant completes the sentence and does not break the law again.
At completion of the case, AYC will return its findings to the Referring Authority for final disposition. If the defendant successfully completes his or her sentence, the Referring Authority will close the case, leaving no formal indication of a criminal record on the part of the defendant. On the other hand, if the defendant fails to successfully complete a sentence or decides not to participate in AYC’s program, that information will be returned to the Referring Authority for further action. Defendants who go through AYC are less than half as likely to commit another offense as their peers who do not go through AYC.
At completion of the case, AYC will return its findings to the Referring Authority for final disposition. If the defendant successfully completes his or her sentence, the Referring Authority will close the case, leaving no formal indication of a criminal record on the part of the defendant. On the other hand, if the defendant fails to successfully complete a sentence or decides not to participate in AYC’s program, that information will be returned to the Referring Authority for further action. Defendants who go through AYC are less than half as likely to commit another offense as their peers who do not go through AYC.