Panel of their peers: Youth Court in action

There are no gavels here. No judge's robes or handcuffed defendants.

Visitors to this court come with mom or dad. And they frequently leave with the consequence of homework hall — not jail.

It's called Youth Court or Peer Court, an alternative to juvenile court where students agree to make positive life changes rather than face harsh punishments and a juvenile record.

And it's mostly run by teenagers.

"It helps (kids) fix their future," said Jasmine Sanders, an 18-year-old graduating senior from Highland High School and a volunteer Salt Lake Peer Court mentor. "A lot of kids are messing up their futures but coming here (helps them)."

Every Thursday night, Sanders and more than 100 other teen volunteers review a student's referral to peer court, their past grades, attendance records and teacher and parent comments to determine an appropriate "contract."

Heber Darger, 16, said he was referred to peer court months ago for tobacco use and truancy. He signed a contract aimed at improving his grades, attendance and even his attitude.

During his review hearing, the dark-haired, soft-spoken boy told the panel he's doing well with mental health counseling but occasionally forgets to get his attendance tracking sheets signed by his teachers.

"How are your grades?" the panel asks.

"Well, some are a little shoddy," he says, explaining that big projects at the end of the year are stressful. With a few days left, he said he thinks he'll raise a few grades.

Darger isn't yet a straight-A student, but peer court has already been amazing, mom Shauna Engen tells the panel. He's now getting himself up for class, taking responsibility for his choices and therapy sessions and even wants to stop smoking, she says.

"All in all, he's going really well," Engen said. "Compared to when we first came, it's an amazing change."

The panel listens to their comments, then sends them in the hall while they decide whether to complete Darger's "contract."

The panel recommends a "closed compliant" status, brings the two back in and congratulates Darger. Then, they prepare for their next student. This goes on for nearly two hours.

Some students, like Darger, get completed, but others need more help — a few hours of community service, a reminder about tracking sheets or attending the after-school homework hall.

Whatever decision is made, the panel has to be united.

"They all give input and work together so they all agree on what the outcome is, said Kathleen Zeitlin, Salt Lake Peer Court program director. "There's a wisdom that comes from that."

The panel members also serve as peer mentors for the students, calling once a week to see how they're doing. Feeling that support is huge, Zeitlin says.