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 Memphis and Shelby County’s court system and is a member of The Daily Memphian’s public safety reporting team. He formerly covered education and earned his B.A. in journalism from the University of Memphis.
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