Legal advocates, including more than a dozen former and current judges, as well as law enforcement officials, are pushing for a new measure in New York that would require minors to have a lawyer present during police interrogation.
The legislation would also mandate that parents be informed when law enforcement is transporting their children to the precinct. Supporters say the move aims to prevent minors, especially children of color, from being coerced into making false confessions.
Judges who have backed the change also underscored the importance of having an attorney present to protect the rights of minors.
The push comes as lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul discuss changes to New York’s criminal justice system.
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