Homework Question on Juvenile Rights
- Textbook title: Bartollas, C., & Miller, S.J (2014). Pearson Criminal Justice. Boston, MA: Pearson. Similar to adults, young people enjoy certain rights and protections.
- List and discuss those rights and protections afforded juveniles including those pertaining to contact and processing by law enforcement officers. In-text citations required.
Homework Answer on Juvenile Rights
The justice system refers to the procedures and processes laid down to control crime as well as punish wrongdoers. The due process is highlighted in the Fifth, Sixth along with the Fourteenth Amendments to ensure a fair trial. The law provides that the state should not make anyone testify against self, or else take away one’s life nor property without sound reasons and procedures. Minors have the right to a legal representative, quick trial, in addition to calling witnesses.
As well, juveniles enjoy the right to call parents or the guardian, especially where their release is not assured in the near future. If this right is violated, an officer cannot use any information said thereafter by a minor against him or her (Bartollas & Miller, 2008).The law provides that minors should adequately be notified of the delinquency charges to allow them prepare for defense. Minors have the privilege against self-incrimination, which may only be waived during a custodial interrogation.
Minors have a right to face every witness as well as cross-examine evidence. The government has an obligation to accord minors with financial problems an attorney. However, juveniles do not enjoy the right to seek bail, mostly because they are released early to the guardian. An effective justice system works on the understanding that charges should be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. As such, the proceedings against juveniles should be executed in line with the Fourteenth Amendment.