Junior Jack Adrian has been volunteering for Sarpy County Teen Court for the past month. After it was recommended to him by a classmate, he started participating because of his passion for the justice system.
“I want to go into local law enforcement because I have an interest in public service,” he said. “I’ve grown up in Omaha all my life and I want to contribute to a better and more positive system where we can collaborate and create a community that everyone can safely coexist in.”
Jack, who plans to study criminal justice in college, believes participating in teen court is useful for his career aspirations.
“It’s a way for me to look at different career opportunities within the justice system because whatever role you serve as in teen court gives you a small perspective of what it would be like as an adult,” he said.
The first time he participated in teen court, he served on the jury where his main job was to listen and take in all the facts of the case. He has also served as the bailiff, keeping track of the charges given and mediating the court.
“I personally like being the bailiff better because I’m not making the decision about what the defendant will have to face and I’m able to make sure everyone is heard and the court is running smoothly,” he said. “There’s less pressure”.
Despite there being less pressure, Jack acknowledges the importance of his role and how serious the court process is. “One thing they really enforce is that it’s not a mock trial, it’s not fake”, he said. “The cases are real, the punishment is real, and it takes place in a legitimate courtroom.”
Jack believes teen court allows teens who have committed crimes like possession of illegal drug paraphernalia, or minor misdemeanors to start fresh and leave their past behind.
“It’s a way for them to avoid a system where they are set up to fail and repeatedly make bad decisions,” he said.
Along with the defendants in the cases he participates in, Jack also feels he is being set up for success because of teen court.
“It gives me an opportunity to experience what the justice system is like and also gives me some practice with public speaking which is a good skill to have” he said. “It’s also really good for my resume and since I do want to study criminal justice, it’s just one more thing I’ll have under my belt”.

After being an active part of the court process, Jack has been able to gain a sense of empathy for those who end up in teen court along with a new perspective that he believes will help him with his future in law enforcement.

“Listening to the defendants makes me understand that they aren’t dangerous criminals they are just people like me, only they’ve made bad decisions”, he said. ‘It is very rewarding because it gives me the opportunity to give back to teens my age who have made bad decisions but still want to turn back and lead good lives”.

Jack plans on participating in teen court through his senior year because of the benefits and overall positive experience he has had.
“I would one hundred percent recommend teen court to other teens especially if they have an interest in the justice system”, he said. “It’s a good way to get volunteer hours, the people are nice, and it’s just a friendly environment.”

While serving as a juror and bailiff for Sarpy County Teen Court, Jack has learned many important things about the court process and acquired skills he hopes to utilize in the future.
“Teen court has been an impactful experience for me and I’m proud to be, and continue to be a part of it”, he said.