In the novel, The Outsiders, why was the court hearing important and what were the decisions of the court?

As might be expected, the court hearing near the end of
The Outsiders is primarily important from a legal point of view. It
is meant to determine whether Ponyboy was in any way liable for the death of the Soc,
and it will determine whether the Curtis family will get to stay together (or if Pony
will be sent to a boy's home). The Socs' who are present, including Cherry, speak
truthfully, although Pony is still confused about who actually did the killing. Pony, in
his unstable state of mind, still believes it was he, and not Johnny, who pulled the
knife. Pony is exonerated, and he is given the opportunity to resume his
life.