Newark, NJ – June 27, 2012 – Municipal Court Chief Judge Richard E.A. Nunes will host the Newark Youth Court graduation and induction ceremony, on Thursday, June 28, at 4:30 p.m. The ceremony will be held in Municipal Courtroom A 301, in the Newark Municipal Court, at 31 Green Street, in Newark.
The court will graduate 17 members from the program and swear in 12 returning members and eight new ones for the new Youth Court term.
The Newark Youth Court is a partnership between the City of Newark and the non-profit Center for Court Innovation, supported by the New Jersey State Bar Association. This preventive, pro-active after-school youth program trains Newark teenagers to serve as judges, juries, and advocates. The goal of the Newark Youth Court is to use positive peer pressure to ensure that young people who have committed minor offenses restore harm done to the community and receive the help they need to avoid further involvement in the justice system. The Youth Court convenes twice a week to hear actual cases involving their peers as respondents to truancy and school disciplinary matters, referred to the court by the Newark Police Department, the Newark Municipal Court, and Newark Public Schools. After hearing each case, the Youth Court issues a “disposition” to refer the respondent to restorative sanctions, which range from social services to mentored community service, to even a letter of apology or essay. Since its opening in mid-2009, the Youth Court has heard more than 328 cases, and 95.42 percent of the respondents have completed their sentences.
This event, open to the public, will honor Newark teenagers who are serving on the Youth Court, for their leadership and commitment to the law, their peers, and our community. At the ceremony, last year’s Youth Court members will graduate from their duties, while the new members will be inducted.
WHO: Municipal Court Chief Judge Richard E.A. Nunes.
WHAT: Will host the Newark Youth Court graduation and induction ceremony.
WHEN: Thursday, June 28.
4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Municipal Courtroom A 301
Newark Municipal Court
31 Green Street
Newark
MEDIA NOTE: Media parking is available on adjacent streets and nearby lots.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Media organizations seeking to attend the weddings or bring TV, video, digital, or still cameras into the courts for this event must first obtain permission in advance from the Honorable Anthony Frasca, Presiding Judge of Essex County Superior Court, at (973) 693-5856.
Contact: Newark Press Information Office – (973) 733-8004
E-mail: PressOffice@ci.newark.nj.us
Center for Court Innovation – Adam Mansky (646) 386-4465