Why is peer court so important?

     Many respondents tend to find peer court annoying and ridiculous as do some adults. But what they don't realize is that without this program his or her child would be in way worse situations and face harsher consequences.  We give kids a chance to learn from their mistakes and not to be sent somewhere where they would be given punishment and no real solution to the problem.

     Kids that end up finding peer court annoying usually have the same reactions. The first reaction we get is nervousness or immediate annoyance; second is warming up to the atmosphere and getting a little more comfortable; third is arrogance. This is not the case for all kids but it is definitely something that needs to be changed. Without peer court or if they were over 18 they would go to jail (depending on the crime committed). So, to me, this sounds like something any person would be grateful for.

     Imagine if your kid was sent to a jail or prison... These kinds of places are no place for a kid. Every one is bound to make a mistake in their life so this should not mean kids should be sent to jail because they tried weed for the first time or stole a pack of gum. Yes, these are crimes but kids do all sorts of thing when pressured. This does not excuse the fact that it is illegal and wrong but they should learn from their experience, not throw years of their life away right off the bat. This is why peer court is so special, it teaches kids and gets them to experience better things instead of the bad ones.

   With this in mind, peer court should be considered a gift to the youth that offend. They are given such an opportunity to turn their life around and make something better of themselves. We just hope they take the opportunity and do something good of it.