Program Overview:
Dunbar’s Peer Court is a student-led alternative to traditional school discipline. Instead of going straight to suspension or exclusion, students with eligible infractions can choose to have their case heard by a trained jury of their peers.
Student advocates and judges listen to what happened, ask questions, and design a restorative agreement that helps the student repair harm, reflect on their choices, and return to the school community with support.
Peer Court is housed in the Eleanor Holmes Norton Law & Public Policy Academy and reflects our belief that students should learn the law and practice justice every day.
Mission & Goals:
The mission of Dunbar Peer Court is to:
- Provide a restorative alternative to traditional discipline.
- Give students real-world experience with law, advocacy, and due process.
- Build leadership, empathy, and communication skills in our student volunteers.
- Improve school climate by centering fairness, accountability, and second chances.
At its core, Peer Court is by students, for students—and rooted in the belief that young people can be powerful guardians of justice in their own school.
How Peer Court Works:
1. Referral
Students may be referred to Peer Court by a dean, administrator, counselor, or teacher for certain non-violent, school-based infractions. Participation is voluntary and designed for first-time or lower-level incidents where restoration is possible.
2. Intake & Consent
The referred student and their parent/guardian are informed about the option to participate in Peer Court. They receive:
- An explanation of the process
- A clear statement that Peer Court is confidential
- The opportunity to ask questions before they agree to participate
3. The Hearing
During a Peer Court hearing:
- A student advocate/attorney helps the referred student share their perspective.
- Student judges listen to the facts, ask respectful questions, and consider the impact on the school community.
- A court clerk keeps the hearing on track and ensures everyone is treated with dignity.
- A trained adult advisor is always present to guide the process.
4. Restorative Agreement
After deliberation, the student judges design a restorative agreement instead of a traditional punishment. Depending on the case, this may include: Writing an apology letter or making a verbal apology, Completing a reflection essay or project, Repairing or restoring damaged property, Community service or service to the school, Counseling, mediation, or mentoring, or Attending a skills-building workshop (conflict resolution, time management, etc.)
5. Follow-Up & Completion
The Peer Court team and school staff:
- Check in on the student’s progress
- Confirm when all parts of the agreement are completed
When the agreement is successfully completed, the case is closed and, in most instances, the student avoids further traditional consequences for that incident.
Student Roles in Peer Court
Peer Court offers multiple leadership roles for students in the Law & Public Policy Academy and beyond:
- Student Attorneys/Advocates: Prepare questions, explain the process to the referred student, and help them tell their story clearly and respectfully.
Student Judges: Listen to the case, consider the impact on individuals and the school community, ask clarifying questions, and create a fair, restorative agreement. Student Judges
Lead the hearing, maintain order, ensure everyone has a voice, and read the final agreement aloud. Clerk/Bailiff: Manage case files, call the hearing to order, keep track of time, and assist with documentation.
Peer Court Leadership Team: Experienced members who help train new students, support outreach to the school community, and provide feedback on improving the program. All student participants are trained in confidentiality, restorative justice, active listening, and courtroom procedures.
Who Can Join Peer Court?
Peer Court is open to responsible, committed Dunbar students who are interested in:
- Law and public policy
- Leadership and public speaking
- Restorative justice and conflict resolution
- Serving their school community
We are especially excited to welcome Law & Public Policy Academy students, but interested students from other academies/programs may also be considered.
Ideal Peer Court members:
- Respect confidentiality
- Are willing to listen to all sides
- Can be fair, honest, and reliable
- Show up consistently for hearings and trainings
How to Apply
Students who want to serve on Peer Court can:
1. Complete the Interest/Application Form
2. Participate in an Interview or Group Meeting - We want to learn why you’re interested and how you hope to contribute.
3. Attend Required Training Sessions
New members complete training on: Peer Court procedures, Questioning and listening skills, Restorative justice, Confidentiality, and professionalism.
Recruitment typically happens during the first month of the Youth Justice course (Term 3) or during Student Lawyer Club meetings (Term 1, SY25-26).
Types of Cases We Hear
Peer Court typically hears non-violent, school-based incidents, such as:
- Classroom disruptions or repeated tardies
- Disrespectful behavior or conflicts with peers
- Minor vandalism or property damage
- Certain violations of school rules where restoration is possible
Cases that involve serious violence, weapons, or other high-level violations are not handled by Peer Court and follow standard DCPS and school safety procedures.
Confidentiality & Safety
Safety and confidentiality are central to our work:
- All Peer Court members sign a confidentiality agreement.
- Hearings take place in a private, supervised setting.
- Cases are discussed only within the Peer Court process and with appropriate school staff.
Restorative agreements are designed to protect the well-being of the referred student, any affected students, and the broader school community.
Our Impact
Peer Court is more than an alternative to punishment; it is a learning lab for justice. Some of the ways Peer Court impacts our school include:
- Giving students a second chance while still holding them accountable
- Reducing repeated behavior for students who complete their agreements
- Developing a pipeline of student leaders interested in law, public policy, and civic engagement
- Strengthening relationships between students and adults in the building
“Peer Court made me feel like people cared about what really happened, not just about punishing me.” – 11th Grade Participant
"Watching our students take on the roles of attorneys and judges is powerful. They are practicing justice in real time.” – Peer Court Advisor
Training & Community Connections
Dunbar Peer Court members receive ongoing training in:
- Courtroom procedures and roles
- Questioning and evidence
- Restorative justice and conflict resolution
- Communication, professionalism, and leadership
We also seek to connect students with legal professionals, law students, and community partners who can mentor and model justice in action.
If you are part of a law firm, bar association, university, or community organization and would like to support or partner with Peer Court, please reach out using the contact information below.
When & Where We Meet
Peer Court hearings are typically held:
Day/Time: During Youth Justice class TBD
Location: Room 389, Law & Public Policy Academy
Students scheduled for hearings receive a notice with the date, time, and location, along with an explanation of what to expect.
