This article describes the use of youth courts, or teen courts, a growing trend in juvenile justice. Youth courts are generally used for younger teens with no prior arrest records, and those charged with less serious violations, like shoplifting, vandalism, and disorderly conduct. The goal is to hold young people accountable for their actions with a system of graduated sanctions. Sentenced, which stress rehabilitative goals, typically include community service and counseling. Also included is a discussion of research problems when examining youth courts. The article concludes with a description of the Colonie Youth Court, a nonprofit organization founded in 1993 that uses the youth judge model. (GCP)