Teen Court

Join the Manvel Municipal Court's award-winning Teen Court program! The program is designed to encourage teens to take an interest in law and criminal justice. It is run and coordinated by the Manvel Municipal Court, Manvel Police Department, and dedicated volunteer staff.

In 2024 and 2025, Manvel Teen Court placed first in the Texas Teen Court Competition, beating out other Teen Court programs from across the state!

Apply for the 2025-2026 Teen Court Season

Are you a teen interested in gaining real-world experience in the legal system? Teen Court is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 season! Each season of Teen Court is held in two sessions: 

  • Session One: August 2025 -December 2025
  • Session Two: January 2026 - May 2026

Applications are due by August 10. The Municipal Court will host an Informational Meeting on July 31 from 5:30 – 6:30 pm at Manvel City Hall, 20031 Morris Ave.

Available Positions:

Attorney: Will prosecute or defend the juvenile.
Teen Clerks: Assist in the courtroom with documentation and case management.
Bailiffs: Maintain order in the courtroom and assist the judge as needed.
Jurors: Deliberate on cases and help decide appropriate consequences for your peers.

What is Teen Court?

Teen Court is a real justice program run by teens, for teens. Teen Court is a "peer court" for misdemeanor and traffic offenders. The collective goal of the Teen Court is to provide education, training, and experience to participants interested in pursuing a career in law or criminal justice. It also encouraged students to familiarize themselves with the jury and selection process.

Objectives: 

  • Improve the overall understanding of the juvenile justice system.
  • Promote the application of appropriate sanctions in relation to juvenile offenses.
  • Reduce recidivism of juvenile offenders.
  • Spark an interest in the legal profession.

How it Works

Juvenile defendants plead guilty or no contest and choose to have their cases adjudicated via Teen Court. Teen volunteers will then work with real justice professionals to prosecute or defend the defendant. At the conclusion of the case, teen jurors are responsible for hearing the cases and deciding the punishment. 

The judges presiding over the court are official Municipal Court Judges. 

Defendants can be sentenced to serve jury terms as a form of punishment.

Volunteer

We invite you to come, learn, and be part of our Teen Court Program! Teen Court is a court for teens, by teens. The Teen Court hears real cases of juveniles who have received citations and determines the sentences of teen defendants. Participants must be in grades 7-12.

While volunteering with us, you will:  

  • Gain knowledge of the legal and judicial system.
  • Advance personal and professional skills.
  • Be a positive role model and good influence within your peer group.
  • Earn volunteer hours for graduation and gain field experience.
  • Teen Court looks great on college and scholarship applications, too!

For questions or more information on the Teen Court program, call 281-489-1229 or email megan.cavazos@cityofmanvel.com.