Helping youth become contributing members of their community

Helping youth become contributing members of their community

Lawrence County Teen Court

The Lawrence County Teen Court (LCTC) was developed in October 1995 in Lawrence County as the first teen court in the State of South Dakota. At that time, there were 78 reported youth/teen courts in the nation. Today, there are proclaimed to be around 1250 youth/teen courts in 49 states. The LCTC is a 501(c)3 non-profit located in Deadwood, SD. To date, there are 12 active teen courts in the State of South Dakota, at least one in each judicial circuit. Court is conducted in the Lawrence County Courthouse on the first and third Monday nights of the month.

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Successful Completion Rate

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Do not reoffend within 6 months

MISSION:

To provide youth the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions through cooperation with their peers and their community.

philosophy:

Young people participating in the program will function as constructive and contributing members of their community.

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MISSION:

To provide youth the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions through cooperation with their peers and their community.

philosophy:

Young people participating in the program will function as constructive and contributing members of their community.

learn more

I have been a supporter of the program for many years. The program allows juveniles to participate in Teen Court and avoid juvenile court. Therefore, there is no adjudication of delinquency. Also the program teaches young people about the court system by allowing them to participate as attorneys and jurors. The Teen Court Program is a benefit to the participants and to the community.

-Randall L. Macy, Fourth Circuit Court Judge, retired

I loved the idea of a peer jury and allowing them to decide what would be fair. It provides an amazing opportunity for teens to learn about the legal process. The courses seemed to provide some insight that perhaps teens don’t really get exposed to. I think it provided my student with new knowledge about the harms of alcohol and what impairment is that he/she wouldn’t have otherwise understood. Thank you for your work. This is an exceptional program!

-Parent of Offender

I’ve been involved in the Lawrence County Teen Court for 5-6 years and I love it! I’ve met some new people in which are good friends now. I’ve been able to go to conventions and to the competitions in Pierre for the Mock Trial Competition. From going to all the different things, I have learned how to become a better jury foreman, learned more ideas for sentencing, and what types of questions to ask during the hearings. I really like the classes that are put on as well!

-Student Volunteer