At Dare County Teen Court, an alternative path for young offenders

Members of the Dare County Teen Court. Caroline Gay is second to left, Sam Cage, who inspired her to join, is the judge in the center. (Photo courtesy of Dare Teen Court)

By Maggie Miles | Outer Banks Voice

On the second Tuesday of each month, two local Dare County teens walk into a court hearing for offenses ranging from vaping to shoplifting. But it’s not adults that are hearing them. It’s their peers.

Currently with a roster of 30 volunteers from ages 11 to 18, Dare County Teen Court, held at the Dare County Administration Building in Manteo, is a diversion program using restorative justice involving peers who take on roles in the regular judicial system—prosecuting attorneys, defense attorneys and jurors.

“The theo

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