For the past 18 years, the Nevada County Justice System has also been an integral part of the education community. Each year high school students in grades nine through twelve have the opportunity to be part of the Peer Court Program. Peer Court participants serve in the roles of attorneys, bailiffs, clerks, and jury members and reside over low-level misdemeanor crimes in which first-time juvenile offenders have waived their confidentiality rights, previously admitted guilt, and have agreed to allow the results of Peer Court be the determinant of their sentence.

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Student attorneys, bailiffs and clerks are provided a mandatory training prior to participating in any Peer Court activities. Student attorneys also receive mentoring from local volunteer-mentor attorneys prior to and throughout proceedings.

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Sentences range from: apology letters, mediation, restitution, essays, community service, counseling and/or drug testing.
The court takes Peer Court decisions seriously and students that complete there sentencing will have offenses wiped from their record. Defendants that choose not to complete Peer Court sentencing will be returned to the justice system for additional ramifications.

Peer Court training is Tuesday, Sept 18 beginning at 3:00 PM. Dinner will be provided.
Peer Court meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM in Department III on the second floor of the courthouse.