Personal Impacts of a School-Based Youth Court Intervention: An Exploratory Study

This paper discusses youth courts (YCs), which are based on restorative justice principles, as an alternative to traditional retributive discipline. Authors present results from YCs in two Southeastern urban high schools. Results from the study indicate 443 suspension days averted, low recidivism (44% overall and 63% of first offenders incurred no more infractions), increased happiness, and continued involvement with YCs among the respondents. Implications and recommendations for school counselors are included.