Queen Anne’s County Teen Court

Photo Credit: Christopher Blunck (blunck2) via Flickr

The Queen Anne County Teen Court Program was created in 2003 by former U.S. Representative Frank M. Kratovil, then Queen Anne’s County State’s Attorney. The goal of the program was to educate young people about their system of justice while also providing young, first-time offenders who commit minor offenses with a second chance and an opportunity to learn from their mistakes without the burden of a juvenile record.

Queen Anne’s County Teen Court is run by teens for teens. However, the powerful work it does could not take place without its dedicated adult volunteers.

Our real Circuit Court Judge Thomas Ross and District Court Judge John Clark, III and our Juvenile Master, Patrick Palmer volunteer their time and preside over all of the cases. Our Assistant State’s Attorney, Christine Dulla volunteers her time as well. She advises the teen volunteers who play the roles of the Defense & Prosecuting Attorneys, Clerk, Bailiff and Jury members on courtroom procedures and law. Ms. Dulla attends every Teen Court planning session and all courtroom proceedings. The Teen Court Coordinator, Kathy Wright volunteers her time to coordinate the youth volunteers, follows-up on respondents, and manages all the functions of Teen Court. Since 2005, over 292 youth volunteers have participated in over 100 teen court cases.