Peer Court

The Draper Peer Court offers an alternative approach to juvenile justice. Youth are referred for minor offenses and are sentenced by a jury of their peers. Peer Court is an  alternative to Juvenile Court for many first-time offenders. The program has three components: court hearings, peer mentoring and peer mediation. Peer Court volunteers are role models and mentors in the court room and the community. Youth serve in various capacities within the program: trained as peer jurors, bailiffs, clerks and mentors. Advisors and students also receive extensive training on communication skills, questioning, state statutes, mentoring, conflict resolution, bias awareness, team building activities, and courtroom processes.

The Peer Court receives their referrals from police officers; therefore the Draper Peer Court requires a close working relationship between the Justice Court and the Draper Police Department. Draper officers and a crime prevention specialist are the assigned liaisons from the police department. These officers work closely with Adult Peer Court Advisors with training, interviewing and accepting peer panel members.

Court hearings are held every first and third Thursday of the month, starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Draper Court:
1020 E. Pioneer Rd. (south side of City Hall)
Draper, UT 84020

To become a Youth Peer Court volunteer, you must be in 10 - 12 grade, attend a high school in Draper and/or be a Draper City resident. You must be able to attend Youth Court every 1st and 3rd Thursday. You must also pass a criminal background check. Peer Court Adult Advisor volunteers must also pass a criminal background check, be a Draper City resident and must be able to attend Youth Court every 1st and 3rd Thursday.

Interested in volunteering? Fill out a Peer Court application and submit to the Draper Police Department. Email regarding questions about Peer Court.