A qualitative examination of the effectiveness of peer/teen courts in Wilson County, Tennessee

This study examined the effectiveness of teen courts through recidivism in delinquent behavior of those juveniles who experienced Teen Court. Teen Courts are also called Youth Courts, Peer Courts and Student Courts, in this research Teen Courts were the selected name to use in referencing the court.;The experiences of adults, youth defendants, volunteers and participants who participated in the teen court proceedings were explored. Data was gathered through a series of interviews with individuals and a small focus group, and direct observations. The researcher interprets the data to conclude that Teen Courts are an effective alternative in reducing recidivism in Wilson County Tennessee.