El Dorado County youth in grades 8-12 are invited to participate in the Teen Court program.

Training is mandatory for all new and returning participants. Training will be Jan. 17 from 6-8pm at El Dorado County Superior Court, 495 Main St. in Placerville. Students are asked to arrive no later than 5:30pm.

After completing training, teens serve as court personnel in real cases where a minor has committed an offense, admitted the offense, and has chosen to be judged for sentencing by their peers.

Superior Court judges preside over Teen Court, and adult attorneys serve as mentors, donating their time to help students develop cases. Students get a real understanding of the juvenile justice system.

Pre-registration for the training is not required. Students must be El Dorado County residents and enrolled in grades 8-12; private school and home schooled students are also welcome.

Teen Court hearings will be from February through May on scheduled Wednesday nights.

For more information about Teen Court, or the training, call 530.621.6130.