Interviewing juveniles: what is required for questioning of a juvenile suspect?

• A. A parent/guardian must be physically present
• B. A parent/guardian may be present if requested
• C. No parent is required
• D. Only a lawyer is required

Answer: (A)

For questioning a juvenile suspect, a parent or guardian must be physically present. This rule protects the juvenile’s rights, helps ensure they understand the process and any warnings, and guards against coercive questioning by having a trusted adult present. Because this presence is required, the option stating that a parent/guardian must be physically present is the best fit. The other choices propose it as optional, or replace it with only a lawyer, or claim no parent is needed, which don’t align with the protective standard for juvenile interrogation. If a parent isn’t available, procedures can vary, but the essential idea is that a parent’s presence is required during the questioning.