Kimberly Walsh-Turner is the executive director of the Duval County Teen Court.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I oversee the office, set up court nights with the clerk of courts on Mondays, do some intake interviews of students, work with Judge [Gregg] McCaulie, Council member Elaine Brown and Ann Shorstein [from Florida Coastal School of Law]. I work with parents, volunteers and defendants on court night so all the aspects are understood. I also work with Jacksonville’s Community Services Department with budgetary and contract information.”
WHAT’S THE PROGRAM ABOUT?
A preventive program for juveniles accused of first-time misdemeanor offenses, the youngsters are defended, prosecuted and sentenced by teenage volunteers as opposed to the traditional court system. Bailiffs and clerks are minors as well. Teen Court was started in 1998 by Florida Coastal. The sentence handed down by the jury may be altered by the presiding judge, the only adult participant, because of mitigating circumstances.
WHAT FUNCTION DOES THE JUDGE SERVE?
“He acts as a mediator. He makes sure the attorneys act properly and the jury delivers a fair sentence. Normally he will raise the sentence and not lower it.”
WHAT TYPE OF SENTENCES ARE HANDED DOWN?
The jury can order the defendant to serve a set number of community service hours or up to six jury duties, to write an essay or letter of apology to the victim, to participate in a peer circle, relinquish their driver’s license, have no association with co-defendants, pay restitution, adhere to a curfew or tour the jail. “We feel that if the kids see the inside of the jail, they won’t be back.” Upon completion of the sanctions, the case is dismissed or dropped without leaving a record behind.
HOMETOWN
Bethel Park, Pa.
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO JACKSONVILLE?
“I came here for law school because it was small. I could not learn sitting in a room with 150 other people.”
EDUCATION
She has a bachelor’s degree in art from Immaculata College and a law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law. She sits for The Florida Bar examination in February.
WHY GO INTO LAW?
“I can argue very well and I believed it was a way I can help those that need it.”
WHY JOIN TEEN COURT?
“I see the effects much faster. I feel I can help a whole lot more by doing this. You see the turn around. A child comes in with an attitude and leaves saying thank you. The parents are grateful also.”
WHAT’S REWARDING ABOUT IT?
“The pats on the back. I know they’re on the right path again. I get the most satisfaction out of working with juveniles.”
WHAT’S THE CHALLENGE?
“Dealing with a child with an attitude, the self-righteousness that some of them have and helping the parents to understand also.”
WHERE DID SHE GET HER START?
With the Teen Court program for over two years, Walsh-Turner began volunteering while still in law school. She moved up to case manager and became executive director in October 2000.
FAMILY
Jarrod, her husband, is also a graduate of Florida Coastal. He is employed in the legal department of Bombardier Capital. The couple just moved to the San Pablo area.
AFFILIATIONS
Walsh-Turner is a member of the National Youth Court Organization and will soon join the board of the Florida Association of Teen Courts.
HOBBIES
Running, reading autobiographies and collecting spoons from all over the world. When back in her native Pennsylvania, she makes sure to grab a sandwich from Primanti Brothers in Pittsburgh. At home, her remote stops at “The West Wing” or replays of the “The Sound of Music.”
— by Monica Chamness