Peer Court is an alternative system of justice, which offers first-time juvenile offenders between the ages of 12 and 17 an opportunity to admit responsibility for their offenses and receive constructive sentencing from their peers. Peer Court volunteers do not determine the guilt or innocence of juvenile offenders; rather they recommend a constructive sentence for the juvenile defendant such as restitution, community service, and/or counseling.
Peer Court is comprised of student volunteers from the Cobb County School District, Marietta City School District, private schools, and home school programs in grades 8-12. Student volunteers serve as Prosecuting and Defense Attorneys, Jurors, Bailiffs, and Courtroom Clerks. The program offers volunteers a hands-on, educational experience that helps them understand the justice system in ways that cannot be obtained in a traditional learning environment. Peer Court volunteers receive community service credit for their hours of participation.
To request an application or additional information, email PeerCourt@cobbcounty.org or call 770-528-2042. The application period is open yearly between June 15- August 31 each year and the session runs concurrent with the school calendar.