Real Interrogation: What Happens When Cops Question Kids

Criminal Justice Research Center Seminar: "Real Interrogation: What Happens When Cops Question Kids", February 19, 2016 at The Ohio State University. Presentation by Barry Feld, Professor, University of Minnesota Law School. Following Professor Feld's presentation, topical commentary was provided by Assistant Director Linda Janes, Ohio Department of Youth Services and Dr. Ryan King, Associate Professor of Sociology, Ohio State University. Summary of presentation: "Although the Supreme Court repeatedly cautioned that youthfulness adversely affects juveniles' ability to exercise Miranda rights or make voluntary statements, it endorsed the adult waiver standard – "knowing, intelligent, and voluntary" – to gauge juveniles' Miranda waivers. By contrast, developmental psychologists question whether young people understand or possess the competence necessary to exercise Miranda rights. This presentation draws on analyses of more than three hundred interrogations of sixteen- and seventeen-year old youths charged with felony offenses. It reports how police secure Miranda waivers, the tactics they use to elicit information, and the evidence youths provide. The findings bear on three policy issues – procedural safeguards for youths, time limits for interrogations, and mandatory recording of interrogations.