From our news partners at the Messenger Post Newspapers

Instead of having their fates determined by a judge, juveniles charged with minor crimes in Pittsford will soon face a panel of their peers.

The town is working to create a youth court in which local teens would decide how to deal with their peers who have committed an offense. The court may also hear non-criminal cases involving school infractions.

“The youthful offenders are held accountable for their actions without having any long-term effect on their permanent record,” said Town Board member John Bernacki. “Instead of having a criminal record, they will be judged by their peers.”

Supervisor William Carpenter is hoping to get the program started in September.

Bernacki, who chaired the exploratory committee on the youth court, stressed that the idea is not being proposed because of a problem with youth crime in Pittsford.

“That’s not the case,” said Bernacki. “We designed the youth court to provide positive opportunities for our youth to get involved.”

The exploratory committee looked at youth courts in the Honeoye Falls Lima Central School District, the town of Wheatland and the city of Rochester to decide what they liked best for Pittsford.

The court would be for first-time offenders between the ages of 8 and 18, who would enter the system through a referral from school principals, probationary officers or judges. The youth court coordinator would decide if the referral is accepted.

The offenses would be limited to crimes like vandalism, shoplifting and substance abuse, but also behavioral problems such as cheating, bullying and harassment.

Pittsford schools Superintendent Mary Alice Price said it’s too early to tell if the court could replace school discipline.

To take part in youth court, Carpenter said the offenders and their parents or guardians must admit guilt and agree to accept the sentence of their peers. Additionally, if there’s a victim involved, he or she must agree to the process and outcome.

If the offender doesn’t agree, he or she would be subject to the consequences of court or school discipline.

The youth court panel would be comprised of sophomores and juniors from Pittsford Mendon and Pittsford Sutherland high schools.

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