Youth court gives kids a second chance
Melanie Johnson, right, gives closing arguments for the prosecutor during Youth Court at 201 Poplar on Thursday, Aug. 15. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian)
Melanie Johnson approaches 17-year-old Angela on the witness stand and launches into a series of quick, pointed questions with a stern tone.
“Do you know right from wrong?”
“Yes.”
“Is stealing right or wrong?”
“Wrong.”
“So, you stole even though you know it was wrong?”
“I don’t know, I just did it.”
Johnson and Angela are both teenagers who found each other on opposite sides of the law Thursday, Aug. 15. As a student volunteer, Johnson prosecuted Angela’s case during a session of the Shelby County Youth Court Program.
Angela’s crime? In May, she and a friend stole $37.50 worth of merchandise from a Five Below store in Bartlett.
Youth Court is a diversion program for juvenile offenders accused of misdemeanors, including misdemeanor assault, drug possession, or theft. Court is held on the first and third Thursdays of every month.
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Aarron Fleming
Aarron Fleming covers public safety for The Daily Memphian, focusing on crime and the local court system. He earned his bachelor’s in journalism and strategic media from the University of Memphis.
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