What is the Seattle Youth Traffic Court?
Seattle Youth Traffic Court is the first youth court to be offered in Seattle. Youth Court is a diversion process in which youth from Garfield High School will sentence their peers who have received actual traffic tickets in Seattle.
Youth under 18 without prior traffic violations are offered the opportunity to be sentenced by the youth court. Operating under restorative justice principles, the Garfield High School students conduct monthly hearings and sentence their peers using creative sentencing. Youth completing their sentences will have their tickets dismissed, and no report will be made to the Department of Licensing.
How does the Seattle Youth Traffic Court work?
Garfield students serve as judge, bailiff, and jury. Dispositions generally include service on future youth court juries. Seattle University School of Law student mentors prepare defendants for their hearings and then mentor them to ensure completion of the disposition. Law students develop policies, provide training, help the Garfield students prepare cases, manage the cases, and help with the hearings.
Why should law students get involved?
- Learn extensive legal content about civil procedure and traffic-related laws.
- Develop leadership skills through program management and youth mentorship.
- Get experience collaborating with many different partners including youth, teachers, police, law faculty, and judges.
- Hone legal skills by managing court processes.
- Develop creative dispositions, systems and policy making skills.
- Earn pro bono credit and a cord for graduation, if you participated for a sufficient time.
What commitment do law students need to make for Seattle Youth Traffic Court?
- Students must commit to approximately four to six hours per week, with hearings and training to be held at a regular time and day of the week, generally on Mondays.
- Hearings occur once monthly on a Monday afternoon at the Seattle Municipal Court.
- Trainings occur once per month on Monday at the law school.
- Additionally, the advisory board meets twice per month at the law school when there are no hearings or trainings.
- Food is served at hearings and trainings.
How do I apply?
To apply, complete this form.
Accolades for the Seattle Youth Traffic Court
The Seattle Youth Traffic Court won the Colleen Willoughby Youth Civic Education Award, an annual award presented by Seattle CityClub, and Seattle University's Spirit of the Community Award.
About the founder
Distinguished Practitioner in Residence Margaret Fisher established the program in 2012 and directs the program at Seattle University School of Law. She has written the national American Bar Association award-winning youth curriculum for student volunteers in 2000 and several youth court publications for the U.S. Department of Justice and the ABA. More information about her can be found on her profile page.
