...young first-time, nonviolent offenders who admit their guilt an opportunity to be sentenced by their peers and to receive a consequence that reflects the ideals of and educates the offenders in restorative justice;
...police officers, probation officers, and juvenile court judges with a heavy docket an innovative alternative to dismissing less serious cases and sending first-time offenders outside of the formal juvenile justice proceedings;
...young volunteers the chance to serve as judges, jurors, bailiffs, and clerks in a coordinated effort to hold their peers accountable with balanced sentences that repair harm done to the offender's victim, the community, and to the offender himself or herself;

...ties between the justice system, members of the community, and youth;
...an awareness in youth of the law and the consequences of delinquency;
...a type of community where youth can contribute to society and demonstrate democracy in action;

That we commend, support and assist those involved in youth courts and others in developing youth courts.