Students can Join Court to Decide Traffic Cases

Students are needed to preside over Seattle Youth Traffic Court! The program is a diversion process in which Garfield students conduct monthly hearings and sentence peers who have committed actual traffic infractions within Seattle city limits.

The Youth Court program’s first 2023-24 training is Monday, Sept. 11. (Hearings start on Sept. 18.) All current students are eligible, but must first complete a short application to receive communications regarding trainings and hearings: https://forms.office.com/r/TW7jTAJU22

Questions? Reach out to Social Studies Teacher Al Snyder, Room 227 or acsnyder@seattleschools.org.

More background

Mr. Snyder co-directs the program along with an emeritus law professor from Seattle University, Margaret Fisher.  

Youth who complete their sentences have their tickets dismissed, and no report is made to the Department of Licensing.  Garfield students serve as judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, jury, and court staff.  The court conducts hearings once per month at Seattle Municipal Court, and students participate in trainings once per month at Seattle University Law School.  Garfield students develop valuable skills as they collaborate with law students, municipal judges and local police.   

This is a great way to earn service hours, build a college resume and get fed (!) at the twice-monthly meetings.