Judge King Gives Update to Rotary Club

McKENZIE (November 18) — Judge Michael King, who presides over General Sessions and Juvenile Court in Carroll County, Tennessee, recently shared important information about how the courts are operating and the challenges they face. He discussed the different types of cases handled in his courts, including civil and criminal matters, as well as changes in laws that affect court procedures and probation practices. He also gave an overview of what’s happening at Carroll Academy,.

The General Sessions Court is split into two parts: Civil and Criminal. The Criminal Court handles everything from serious crimes like murder to minor offenses like speeding tickets. In these cases, if a crime is serious enough, it may go to a grand jury for further review and possibly involve higher courts.

On the other hand, the Civil Court deals with issues like rent disputes, smaller civil lawsuits (up to $25,000), and protective orders. This court is open for the public to attend.

Juvenile Court operates differently. Its sessions are closed to the public and deal with two main types of cases: Delinquency, for youths who commit offenses like drug use or skipping school, and Dependency and Neglect, which involves matters like child custody and parental rights.

General Sessions Court also operates Carroll Academy, a school located at the Carroll County Office Complex. The students are remanded to attend by the courts or through a special request from area school. It serves around 150 students from several counties, including Carroll, Henry, Benton, and Weakley, and Milan. It’s goal to educate and protect students who are facing various challenges, including issues at home or problems in school.

The Academy has a dedicated staff led by Director Renee Sutton, who has nearly three decades of teaching experience. The school offers traditional high school curriculum, plus life skills training, which includes important lessons on managing money and understanding vehicle insurance, aiming to prepare students for real-world responsibilities. The goal is to educate young people in grades 7 through 12 and help them return to traditional schools on track academically.

Last year, the school introduced a life skills program that students have found very helpful. The Academy also partners with local community colleges to offer vocational training, helping students explore further education and career options.

Judge King highlighted that Carroll County is recognized for its strong community and family support, with Carroll Academy playing a significant role in keeping kids out of state custody and providing them with a safe and constructive environment.

The CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) program has been established to support Juvenile Court cases. This program recruits volunteers to advocate for the well-being of children in the system. Recently, several community members have become CASA volunteers, but there is still a need for more people to help, especially as some areas have a shortage of volunteers.

A new law now allows extended support services for foster youth beyond the age of 18, recognizing that many young people need help as they transition to adulthood. This change aims to provide essential support to those who have been in the foster care system, ensuring they have a chance to succeed as they grow older.

Overall, the efforts being made in the courts and through programs like Carroll Academy and CASA are aimed at improving the lives of young people in the community and ensuring a safer, brighter future for them.