Some Gwinnett County students will soon begin serving as judge and jury to wayward classmates.
Central Gwinnett High School started a discipline diversion program Tuesday where about 40 students will decide the proper punishment for classmates who’ve admitted to offenses such as disrupting class, skipping school or bullying. The students will serve as defense attorneys, prosecutors, the judge and the jury.
The punishment will range from community service to making an apology to writing an essay, said Dana Pagan, the project’s manager.
School officials hope the court program will encourage students to behave more responsibly and be accountable to their classmates. Central Gwinnett is the first Gwinnett school to start the program.
Kayla Shelton, 17, a rising senior at the school, believes students will take the court program seriously. Shelton, who is considering careers in the law and public safety, believes the program will help her hone her interests. She also joined the program to get more involved in how government works.
“I want to be part of the solution,” she said.
About the Author
