How does interrogation of a juvenile differ from that of an adult?

• A. Only the Juvenile Must Be Mirandized
• B. Parents Should Be Present in All Cases
• C. Juveniles Must Be Mirandized, and a Parent Should Be Present Unless the Juvenile Is 16 or 17 and Waives Their Right
• D. Miranda Rights Do Not Apply to Juveniles

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that questioning a juvenile in custody involves extra safeguards: they must be given Miranda warnings, just like adults, and, when possible, a parent or guardian should be present during the interrogation to help ensure the juvenile understands their rights and isn’t pressured. The option reflects this nuance by saying the juvenile must be Mirandized, and a parent should be present unless the juvenile is 16 or 17 and waives their rights. This captures the protective role of parental presence while also allowing for a voluntary waiver by older teens.

The other statements don’t fit as well. Miranda warnings apply to anyone in custody, not only juveniles. Parent presence isn’t required in every case—there are situations where a juvenile can waive rights and proceed without a parent present. And Miranda rights do apply to juveniles, so claiming they do not is incorrect.