What if you could step into a courtroom, not as a defendant or a spectator, but as a lawyer, juror, or judge helping your peers make real change? That’s exactly what the Youth Court Program offers Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) students. More than a mock trial, Youth Court is a student-led initiative that handles real-life, nonviolent juvenile cases, giving first-time offenders a second chance while empowering their peers to lead the process.  

Youth Court is a restorative justice program designed to keep students out of the traditional juvenile system. Instead of appearing before a judge in a formal courtroom, these students face a panel of their peers.  

“Usually, Youth Court is for first-time, nonviolent offenders,” said Dr. Lakira Elliott, Director of Student Safety at MSCS. “It’s a diversion option to give them a second chance in a more supportive setting.”   

Whether as an attorney, clerk, bailiff, or juror, students are involved in every step of the process. To ensure fairness, jurors are typically selected from other schools. “We avoid having jurors who might know the student personally,” said Keisha Adams, MSCS Safety Advisor. “We try to ensure impartiality, like a real jury.”  

When the assigned sentence, often community service or an educational program, is completed, the offense is wiped from the student’s record, giving them a fresh start.  

Youth Court isn’t just an opportunity to help others; it’s also an opportunity for MSCS students to grow individually. Students who participate gain public speaking and advocacy skills, develop a real-world understanding of how the legal system works, and earn volunteer hours that count toward graduation and scholarships. They also walk away with confidence and leadership experience that will stay with them for life. 

Erica Temple, an MSCS Safety Advisor, has seen the impact firsthand: “I’ve seen shy students come out of their shell and take charge in the courtroom. They leave the program more confident, more knowledgeable, and proud of their contributions. It helps both the students being tried and those serving on the court. And they enjoy it – it’s serious, but also engaging and empowering.” 

This program isn’t new; it has a strong history. MSCS’ Youth Court has earned national recognition for its success, including a track record of zero recidivism among participating students. That means every student who went through the program stayed on track and didn’t get rearrested.  

Now, the district is relaunching and expanding Youth Court with a strong focus on equity and inclusion, making sure students from every school have access to this powerful experience. “We want to expand participation across all schools in the city...,” said Ms. Adams. “Every school has students who can be attorneys, judges, or jurors.”   

As Dr. Elliott explains, “We want to make sure every student has access to this experience, whether they’re on the giving or receiving end. It’s about building community and creating real change.”   

MSCS is calling on high school students across the district to become a part of this work. If you’re interested in law, enjoy public speaking, or just want to make a meaningful impact, there’s a place for you in Youth Court. Even if you’ve never imagined yourself in a courtroom, this is a chance to stand up for what’s right, help your peers get back on track, and develop skills that will serve you for life. 

Learn more about the program HERE or reach out to MSCS Safety Advisor, Erica Temple, at walkere4@scsk12.org. 

Youth Court is more than a program. It’s a movement toward compassion, peer leadership, and a stronger, safer school community. 

If you have a story about a MSCS student, teacher, or school to highlight, please email us at communications@scsk12.org. Include the school name, story details, and an SCSK12.ORG email for follow-up.