Teens causing trouble get punishment from their peers. It's a program called Topeka-Shawnee County Youth Court. Thursday night marked the start of year two for the program. In this program 12 teen jury members take their seats and prepare to listen to the case of a defendent around the same age. Other teens act as attorneys, the bailiff and the judge, but it's more than just role playing.

"They're real cases, with real people, and a real jury that you have to plead your case to. That's my favorite part," says Seaman High School senior Melissa Fuller.

Fuller got to be the defense attorney in a case Thursday night, an experience that's preparing her for the future.

"I want to be a lawyer when I grow up, so this is good courtroom experience," says Fuller.

The court deals with 1st time non-felony cases, like traffic violations, usually referred by the city attorney or the district attorney. The jury issues a sentence for the defendent. However in youth court that sentence comes in the form of community service. Chris and Angie Bolze, parents of one of the defendents on trial Thursday night say community service for their son is much better than the alternative.

"Instead of the parents having to pay the fine, and pay for extra insurance, the teen has to give back to the community. I think that's fair," says mother Angie Bolze.

As for their son Dustin, he's just happy he made it through the experience.

"It was fair. I think it was pretty fair," says Dustin.

Topeka-Shawnee County Youth Court holds trials starting at 6:00 pm on the third Thursday evening of each month, except in December and May. They are open to the public, and you can check out their next set of trials at the Shawnee County Courthouse, October 16th.