The Syringa Middle School (SMS) Intro to Criminal Justice class is designed to meet two goals. The first is for students to learn about the foundations and process of the criminal justice system within the U.S. government, as well as dive into current event topics such as police/civilian relations, especially involving youth.  The second goal of the class is to serve as a Youth Court for SMS students. This court is a diversionary court, with support from the Canyon County Juvenile Court, that hears cases sent to us by disciplinary reports by the school administration as well as community offenses involving our students. The job of the court is to set forth sanctions that are designed to help the offender receive help and support to prevent further offenses which could lead to more harsh consequences within the school disciplinary process or the court system.