[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 64 (Thursday, May 15, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S4617]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         THE COURT IN THE SCHOOLS/CRITICAL LIFE CHOICES PROGRAM

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize an 
innovative anti-crime program in my State targeted toward young people. 
Established in 1993 by Judge Michael A. Martone of the 52d District 
Court in Troy, MI, the Court in the Schools/Critical Life Choices 
Program is an admirable and effective effort to teach middle and high 
school students how to make the right choices in life.
  In part one of this two part program a middle or high school's 
auditorium or cafeteria is transformed into a courtroom. Judge Martone, 
if in his own jurisdiction, or a local judge, then try actual pending 
cases involving youthful, nonviolent misdemeanors, such as first and 
second offense drinking and driving cases, controlled substance cases, 
and shoplifting cases, in front of the assembled students.
  In part two of the program, Judge Martone interacts with the students 
to coach them on how to intelligently analyze risks and make critical 
life choices. With the aid of television news segments and taped video 
vignettes of tragedies resulting from youthful indiscretion, the 
students and Judge Martone engage in an insightful and constructive 
dialog.
  To date, over 15,000 students have participated in the program. This 
low-cost, high-impact program is making a difference in young people's 
lives. When students see for themselves a defendant handcuffed and 
taken into custody, Judge Martone says student response is measured by 
being able to hear a pin drop.
  I commend Judge Martone for his tireless work on behalf of America's 
children. In fact, Judge Martone maintains a standing offer to help 
other communities, both in Michigan and across the Nation, to develop 
and implement their own Court in the Schools/Critical Life Choices 
programs. I urge all my colleagues to consider the benefits of 
utilizing such a program in their own respective States, and, if 
interested, either contact the Troy Community Coalition for the 
Prevention of Drug and Alcohol Abuse at 248-740-0431, or 
representatives in my office for further information.

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