Protecting Juveniles' Rights in Police Custody
The Legal Rights Center in Minneapolis holds trainings to teach young people how to assert their rights in police custody. Some states have passed laws to protect juveniles from being interrogated without a lawyer present. Studies show that children and teenagers often don't fully understand their rights and consequences. Legal experts emphasize the importance of having legal representation for young people during police questioning to prevent false confessions and harsh punishments.
Key Points
- Some states have passed laws to prevent police from interrogating children without a lawyer present
- Studies show that juveniles often waive their Miranda rights without fully understanding the consequences
- Legal experts stress the importance of legal representation for young people during police questioning
Pros
- Empowers young people to assert their rights
- Prevents false confessions and harsh punishments
- Provides legal representation for juveniles during police questioning
Cons
- Potential pushback from law enforcement on implementing new laws
- Concerns about availability of lawyers for all juveniles in custody