Welcome to the Rutherford County, Tennessee, Juvenile Court website. The Juvenile Court has jurisdiction over both civil and delinquency/unruly cases involving children. Whenever children are charged with violating criminal statutes, it is the duty of the Court to provide a simple judicial procedure which assures the juvenile a fair hearing and due process, while protecting the constitutional and legal rights of all parties. Additionally, we strive to accomplish the following goals: to provide for the wholesome moral, mental, and physical development of children; to substitute treatment, training, and rehabilitation for the consequences of criminal behavior by children; and to remove children from the custody of their parents only when absolutely necessary for the child's welfare or in the interest of public safety. We always seek to ensure that our community is safe, and that violent or dangerous juveniles are held in detention if no other, less-restrictive alternatives exist.
Our Court offers programs and services which provide troubled youths with the necessary skills they lack in order to be successful in life. Many times, we are the last line of defense for a family that is desperate for a bridge to fill the gap between the child's delinquent behavior and the possibility of learning new and positive behaviors. We seek to rehabilitate, not punish children. The Court believes in the inherent goodness of every child and every child's need for parental guidance. Our work begins and ends with the goal of keeping children out of State custody and preserving or restoring the family unit.
Juvenile Court Staff
Law Clerk
The Law Clerk assists the Judge and Magistrates in courtroom proceedings, and interacts with attorneys, litigants, court personnel, and the general public. She also assists in researching legal issues and legal authority regarding pending matters before the Court. However, please note that the Law Clerk is unable to give legal advice, or to provide detailed information about any case, due to the Court's privacy rules.
Judicial Assistant
The Court's Judicial Assistant provides administrative support for the Judge and Magistrates. Persons who call the offices of the Juvenile Court Judge and Magistrates will speak with the Judicial Assistant, who can provide general information about the Court. However, please note that the Judicial Assistant is unable to give legal advice, or to provide detailed information about any case, due to the Court's privacy rules.
Court Officers
The Court Officers assist with security and maintaining order during the Court proceedings. Additionally, the Court Officers will direct parties to the correct courtroom for their hearing, or to the Clerk's office if need be.
Court Security
The Rutherford County Sheriff's Department provides security for the Juvenile Services Center. All persons entering the building are subject to search. Members of the general public may not bring purses or bags into the building. Since Juvenile Court (unlike other Courts) is a Court of confidentiality due to the privacy rights of children, persons who are not direct parties (e.g., parents, guardians, or custodians) to a case may be ordered to leave the courtroom.