Trial by Peers is a program that has changed the lives of many teens and some adults. It is a rehabilitation program where the whole goal is to have a safe environment where the teenagers can learn from their mistakes.

There are two different ways people come in contact with this program. You can get involved with this program by applying, and taking a summer course where you learn how to prosecute and defend different cases. The second way people come in contact with our program is minors commit small misdemeanor crimes, and then the officer who is on that case refers them to this program.

The program is run fully by volunteers. Cari Dahl, the head of the Trial by Peers program, the judges who listen and rule on the cases at hand, the attorneys who advise the teens that are putting on the case, and the teenagers who defend and prosecute the minors, are all volunteers as. Without these people who are willing to give up their time for this program, Trial by Peers would not be possible.

Many students at Faith are involved in this program as well. Some of these students are Nate Gulla, Quran Allen, and Donald Sea. Each of these students has been involved with the Trial by Peers program for about 2 years and plans on continuing with this program for many more.  Donald Sea feels that “Trial By Peers provides a unique opportunity not only to strengthen public speaking skills but also to provide teenagers a second chance. I’m glad that I took part in the program, and truly enjoy and admire what the program has to offer—not only for me but for the teens I represent.” Nate Gulla shared similar thoughts and said, “Trial by Peers is the best opportunity I have seen to get involved in the lives of your peers and help better them and set them on the best life path.”

If you are interested in this program contact Cari Dahl at [email protected] or go to clarkcountylawfoundation.org/trial-by-peers/.