Volunteers

Young Voices in Justice: Talbot County Teen Court Empowers Youth Offenders and Volunteers with Real-World Legal Experience

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EASTON, Md. — In the quaint town of Easton in Talbot County, a unique judicial process involving teenagers is taking the concept of restorative justice to new heights. The Talbot County Teen Court is an innovative program designed to offer a second chance to first-time juvenile offenders, empowering not just the accused but also involving local youths in the judicial process through volunteer roles. Launched in 2006, this initiative not only diverts young offenders away from the traditional justice system but also holds them accountable for their actions in a peer-dominated setting. The defendants, typically … Read more

Campbell Law Seeks Volunteers to Judge Prestigious National Trial Advocacy Competition

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Raleigh, NC – Campbell Law School is actively seeking volunteer judges for an upcoming premier trial advocacy competition. Scheduled for March 6-9, the law school, in conjunction with Milberg Law and the University of South Carolina, will co-host the 2025 Regional Tournament of the American Advocates for Justice (AAJ) Student Trial Advocacy Competition (STAC). The competition is renowned for highlighting the capabilities of aspiring trial lawyers, who will vie for scholarships and a spot to represent their teams at the AAJ’s national convention in July. The event promises to gather significant legal talent with 16 … Read more

Sacramento County Grand Jury: Local Volunteers Spearheading Government Accountability and Reform

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Sacramento, Calif. — In Sacramento County, a grand jury composed of local volunteers plays a crucial role in holding public agencies and officials accountable. Each year, 19 residents of this Northern California county serve on this independent panel, investigating local government operations and suggesting improvements to enhance fairness and efficiency. The volunteers, chosen through a rigorous selection process that includes a Department of Justice background check and interviews, commit 20 to 30 hours weekly. According to Sacramento Superior Court Judge Steven Gevercer, who advises the jury, their findings often act as a springboard for change, … Read more

Settlement Reached in 2020 Lawsuit Accusing Gateway Church of Failing to Report Minor’s Sexual Assault at Volunteer’s Home

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Southlake, Texas – A 2020 lawsuit alleging mishandling of a minor’s sexual assault claim at a church-affiliated sleepover resulted in an out-of-court settlement earlier this year, according to Tarrant County court records. Gateway Church was sued by a former member who claimed church leaders failed to report her daughter’s assault during the 2018 incident properly. The suit claimed the girl, then age 11, was assaulted by the minor son of the couple hosting the sleepover, who were volunteers at Gateway Church. Allegations suggested that church officials learned of the incident but struggled to handle it … Read more