Touring Texas
Texarkana, Texas and Arkansas
It's OK to Cross the Line... Sometimes
By Deborah Dousay
One city; two separate municipalities. The state
line of Texas and Arkansas runs dead center of the
Post Office. It is a city divided not only
geographically but politically as well. Texarkana
has two mayors, and two sets of city officials,
however shares a federal building, courthouse, post
office, water utility, Chamber of Commerce, jail and
several other offices.
It is the home of the Museum of Regional History,
an extensive archival library, and the famed Ace of
Clubs House, dubbed “so perfect in every detail” by
television star Bob Vila. Historical interpretation
of the structure depicts the periods spanning the
1880’s through the impending prewar 1940’s. Travel
through time, as each room reflects a different
decade.
Texarkana also hails a unique approach to
punishing some civil crimes. Teen Court of Texarkana
is a voluntary youth diversion program designed to
allow teenage misdemeanor offenders an opportunity
to accept responsibility for their actions by
participating in the judicial process and performing
community service work. The Teen Court jury hears
cases of teenage offenders who have committed
traffic offenses or other Class C misdemeanors. The
Teen Court jury sentences teenage defendants to
community service hours and other terms as
restitution for the misdemeanor offense.
The best part is the mandatory adherence to the
rules and dress code that governs the participants.
The courtroom is a very serious place. In order for
each defendant to receive a fair trial, all persons
in the courtroom must be courteous and respectful at
all times. All information pertaining to court
proceedings is strictly confidential. Court
participants and observers should refrain from
discussing court proceedings after court is
adjourned. The Teen Court Coordinator and the
Presiding Teen Court Judge reserves the right to
refuse to hear the case of any youth who fails to
abide by the “Rules of the Court.”
The Teen Court Judge has the power to remove
anyone from the courtroom and hold them in contempt
for disruptive or disrespectful courtroom behavior.
Intentional disruption of official court proceedings
is a “Class A Misdemeanor” punishable by law.
Courtroom Rules and Conduct Code:
- Court participants should be polite and
well-mannered.
- Defendants should speak clearly and loudly
and refrain from using profanity.
- Staff members should remain attentive and be
well-informed of their cases.
- All persons in the courtroom shall refrain
from unnecessary talking, laughing, or noise of
any kind.
- The Teen Court Judge should be addressed as
“Judge” or “Your Honor.” Staff members
addressing the Judge should stand completely.
- Smoking, gum chewing, eating, or drinking
are prohibited in the courtroom.
- No cameras or recording devices are allowed
in the courtroom without prior consent of the
presiding Teen Court Judge.
- No unattended children are allowed in the
courtroom.
The following dress code will be observed by
defendants, staff members, jury members, and
courtroom observers:
- No caps or hats
- No inappropriate logos
- No tank tops or exposed midriffs
- No torn or dirty clothing
- Nice jeans are allowed, no sagging pants or
exposed underwear
- No short shorts or short skirts (fingertip
length or longer)
- No sunglasses or pajamas
(Excerpts/rules, taken from TCAT*)
Two Mayors, two sets of city officials, one
courthouse... It’s all a part of That! Texas that
all states could learn from. Plan a trip to
Texarkana to see it’s unique judicial structure,
museum, and other interesting sights. Teen Court is
in session two Mondays per month and is open to the
public. Because the participants are minors, all
court proceedings are expected to be kept
confidential. Upcoming dates for court are December
18th and January 8th. Intake starts at 5pm. See the
world, but see Texas first!
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