What is Peer Court

The Cottage Grove Peer Court is an alternative court within the criminal justice system for juveniles who commit misdemeanors or violations. Youth may be referred to Peer Court by police officers, the Department of Youth Services, Municipal Court, or the local schools.

If, after admitting their guilt, offenders are accepted into Peer Court. Juries made up of middle and high school students hear their cases. After determining the facts of the case, each jury recommends a sentence for the defendant that is appropriate for the crime and the circumstances.

Juries are made up of volunteers and defendants. After sentencing, the Peer Court Coordinator monitors each case to assure that the defendant complies with the sentence. Once the sentence has been completed, the defendant may make application to the Circuit Court to have their case / record expunged. Students who fail to comply with the sentencing are referred to the County Department of Youth Services.

The Peer Court's ultimate objective is to deter youth from the commission of second offenses...and by its example as a model for understanding justice and law, to prevent more first time offenses as well.