US: California Bill to Protect Youth Miranda Rights

(Los Angeles, August 18, 2016) – The California state assembly is considering a bill that would require a consultation with a lawyer for anyone under age 18 before they can waive their Miranda rights and be questioned, Human Rights Watch said today. Human Rights Watch released a video about a police interrogation of a child in a murder case and the need to provide children with extra legal protection to reduce the chance of coerced confessions.
California Senate Bill 1052 (Lara), which Human Rights Watch has sponsored, would provide extra protection for children in the custody of the police.  It is based on research that shows the reduced capacity of children to comprehend complex legal issues and to appreciate the consequences of their actions. The bill would in effect give children assistance so they would have parity with adults in making important decisions about waiving their rights to remain silent and speaking without an attorney to the police.