H.R. No. 1560
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The volunteers and staff of the San Antonio Teen
Court provide an important civic service by taking part in a
juvenile justice program that benefits the residents of Bexar
County and also provides valuable experience for student
participants who fill the courtroom assignments; and
WHEREAS, Based on the principle of peers judging peers, Teen
Court hears cases involving defendants under the age of 18 who are
enrolled in school and are charged with first-time Class C
misdemeanor offenses; after arraignment by an adult judge, teens
act as judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, bailiffs, clerks,
and jurors to hear the case; and
WHEREAS, Judgment is handed down to a defendant in the form of
community service, and successful completion of that service
results in the dismissal of the case; and
WHEREAS, Participants receive training, which includes
workshops, mock trials, and mentoring from adult judges, attorneys,
and community leaders, as well as continuing education classes; and
WHEREAS, Since the program's start in 2002, over 400 trials
have been conducted and more than 200 teens have participated;
under the outstanding leadership of coordinator Edinia E. Espinoza
and presiding judge Alfredo M. Tavera, the program currently has a
roster of 135 members; and
WHEREAS, By aiding the administration of juvenile justice and
providing young Texans with first-hand experience in the legal
system, the San Antonio Teen Court helps prepare youths for the
future, and in so doing, contributes immeasurably to the well-being
of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby recognize all involved with the San Antonio Teen
Court and commend them for their dedicated service to the
community; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the Teen Court as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Gutierrez
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1560 was adopted by the House on April
24, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House