Kids learn about legal system through Boys & Girls Club Court

A class action lawsuit netted the biggest payout of the summer.

Stephanie McCoy, 17, filed the suit against 14 of her fellow Boys and Girls Club members for repetitive music play and was awarded $10 in “club bucks” from each for a total of $140. McCoy was suing for “insane repetition” of five songs, including “Eye of the Tiger,” on the Nintendo Wii American Idol game.

McCoy had her day in “Club Court” on Friday, when the court is scheduled each week to review grievances by club members against each other and rule violations pointed out by staff.

“Brain cell damage has been incurred,” said Judge Casey Wikstrom, who was reading from McCoy’s “civil court submission form.”

McCoy said when the songs are played over, and over, she gets them stuck in her head.

“Even most of the staff members wish you would sing something else,” she said.

One of the defendants said the five songs are repeated because they are the only ones that are in the club members’ range. Other songs have notes that are too high or too low.

“Are you saying you don’t want to grow as singers?” said Judge Wikstrom, who is coordinator of the culture module.

The jury wanted to set precedent with the guilty verdict and award of the 140 club bucks.

“We may be looking at another class action lawsuit next week if the music doesn’t change,” said jury foreman, George Cooper, who also is the coordinator of the photography module.

Club Court was started this summer for youth ages 11 to 18. Members can file civil claims against each other and staffers can write tickets for criminal court when a club member violates rules. Those found guilty in criminal court face community service time or fines of club bucks, which are earned throughout the summer and spent at the club store.

Cendy Carson, coordinator of the crime scene investigations module, said the court teaches the club members several things, including how to present a case, interviewing skills and honesty.

“For one, it shows them that there is a way of taking recourse on an individual other than with their fists,” she said.

The court also gives members a general understanding of the court system.

“I think it teaches them the importance of living in a society, even if it’s a Boys and Girls Club society,” Carson said.

During the civil cases, each side can present their version of the events. The judge asks questions and witnesses can be called to testify.

Taylor Gilliam, 13, was acquitted after he was accused of cheating during a game of pool. The judge asked for Gilliam’s side of the story to which he answered, “I won.”

The juries in civil cases are comprised mostly of Boys and Girls Club staff. A jury of club members decide the criminal cases. The juries give their verdicts by showing a thumbs up for not guilty or a thumbs down for guilty.

Civil case juries provide sentencing, which can range from apologizing to fines. A visit with a counselor about anger management was the sentence in a case on Friday regarding a boy who was accused of being mean to a girl during a dodge ball game.

Criminal cases involve violations of rules — such as Code 12, which is being disrespectful. The penalty for violation of Code 12 is a maximum 15 club bucks fine and 10 minutes of community service. Staff members serve as the prosecution and defense attorneys.

The court also provides a fair way of receiving discipline for breaking the rules. Gilliam said he likes Club Court because punishment it not automatic.

“It’s pretty cool because you actually have to show proof,” he said.