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May 1, 2008
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All rise! Youth Court’s mock hearing celebrates National Law Day
New York Assemblyman Joe Errigo and others help youth celebrate America’s legal traditions
Geneseo, NY-May 1, 2008- The student members of Hillside Children’s Center’s Livingston County Youth Court played starring roles in a courtroom drama today to showcase America’s legal traditions and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Law Day.
All of the players—from judge to defense attorney—were there during the youth court’s mock hearing at the Livingston County Family Court House.
“Each of the students demonstrated how the part they played during the mock hearing exemplifies the rule of law that our legal system is based upon,” said Dottie O’Neill-Marble, Hillside Children's Center’s Livingston County Youth Court program coordinator.
According to O’Neill-Marble, it is important that youth learn about the rule of law because the system of self-government and strong, accessible legal process that results is an “essential foundation that fosters sustainable communities of opportunity and equity.”
Also taking part in the event were New York State Assemblyman Joe Errigo, the Honorable Justice Dennis Cohen, and representatives from the offices U.S. Congressman Tom Reynolds and New York State Senator Dale Volker.
“These distinguished members of our government help to create and enforce the laws we live by every day. I know it means a great deal to all of the members of the youth court that they were able to take the time to participate in the mock hearing by helping to recognize the effort the students put into it,” said O’Neill-Marble.
In addition to the mock hearing, the youth court adjudicates actual hearings that seek to hold first-time non-violent youthful offenders accountable for their actions by providing an avenue for restitution and teaching them about the effects their actions have on themselves, victims, and the community. It capitalizes on peer influence demonstrating that peers do not condone delinquency. The youth court also aims to empower and involve youth by allowing them to assume leadership roles and actively address juvenile crime in their community.
About
Hillside
Children’s Center
Hillside Children’s Center,
an affiliate of Hillside Family of Agencies, is a provider of care for youth and
families with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, or life-circumstance
challenges. HCC offers mental health, child welfare, juvenile justice, special
education, safety net, and developmental disabilities services to children and
families throughout Central and
Western New
York. HCC services are customized based on the strengths and needs of individual
youth, families, and communities.
Hillside Family of Agencies is a family and children services organization that provides child welfare, mental health, youth development, juvenile justice, special education, and developmental disabilities services across Central and Western New York. Hillside Family of Agencies is comprised of affiliates Crestwood Children's Center, Crestwood Children's Foundation, Hillside Children's Center, Hillside Children's Foundation, Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection, and Snell Farm Children's Center.
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