Youth & Law Forum

Seattle Medium's Rhythm News Podcast host Christopher B. Bennett speaks with Navy veteran and community advocate B. Maurice Ward about his commentary on youth gun possession and its hidden risks. The discussion ties into the upcoming Judge Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum, which educates young people on legal rights, responsibilities, and life-altering consequences.

B. Maurice Ward examines why many King County youth underestimate the risks of firearm possession, warning that a gun's hidden history and legal consequences can alter lives even without violence. He urges adults to address fear and pressure driving young people toward weapons, build trust, and offer safe alternatives, emphasizing informed decisions over judgment.

The Judge Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum, marking over 35 years of legal education for Seattle-area youth, expands this year into AI, social media and cybersecurity. Security architect Rodney Moseley leads a new series using real-world scenarios exploring digital identity, privacy and online responsibility. The free Nov. 14 event features keynote speaker Erin Jones in Tukwila.

Young people often face alcohol, marijuana and counterfeit pills without understanding the risks to judgment and brain development. This piece from the Judge Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum urges honest conversations about substance use, warning that impaired decisions can worsen already difficult situations and change life trajectories, while calling on adults to provide guidance.

Black youth in King County have the drive to work and learn, but often lack access to mentorship, networks, internships and reliable transportation. This commentary from the Judge Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum argues that employers, institutions and community leaders must remove these barriers, ensuring young people know about opportunities and receive genuine support to pursue them.

Counterfeit pills may contain fentanyl and other dangerous substances, while alcohol and cannabis impair judgment, memory and reaction time—especially in developing brains. Impairment can worsen risky situations like peer pressure or arguments. Most importantly, never let embarrassment prevent seeking emergency help if someone shows signs of overdose or medical distress after substance use.

A guide outlining five key points young people should understand about firearms and Washington law, including age restrictions, exceptions for safety courses and hunting, the importance of context in legality, avoiding legal advice from friends or social media, and seeking help from trusted adults when fear drives thoughts of carrying a gun.

Seattle-area youth seeking their first job can benefit from six practical tips: building a simple résumé, practicing interviews, exploring programs like the Seattle Youth Employment Program, networking with trusted adults, planning reliable transportation and asking for help along the way to prepare confidently for entering the workforce.

Christopher B. Bennett previews the 36th annual Judge Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum, a free event Nov. 14 at Church by the Side of the Road and Tukwila Municipal Court. Guests Dr. Margaret Spearmon and Bobby Alexander discuss how the forum educates youth on legal rights, civic responsibility and leadership under this year's theme, "Together for Justice. Together for Change.

The 34th annual Judge Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum brought together students, parents, judges, law enforcement, tech professionals, and community leaders to educate youth on the legal and criminal justice systems, opportunities in the tech industry, and the roles these fields play in shaping their futures.