Who has the authority to invoke a juvenile's Miranda rights?

The correct choice highlights that juveniles themselves have the authority to invoke their Miranda rights. Under U.S. law, including Supreme Court rulings, individuals have the right to silence and legal counsel when subjected to interrogation while in custody. This right applies to juveniles as well.

When a juvenile is in custody and interrogated by law enforcement, they can choose to assert their Miranda rights to remain silent or request an attorney. This ability to invoke rights is fundamental to ensuring that their constitutional protections are maintained, regardless of their age.

While parents, arresting officers, or the juvenile's lawyer might play roles in the process, it is ultimately the juvenile who has the legal prerogative to invoke these rights. This empowerment is critical as it acknowledges the juvenile's autonomy within the legal framework, and respecting that autonomy is essential for ethical law enforcement practices.

Understanding this principle is vital for peace officers, as it underlines the importance of communicating clearly with juveniles about their rights during any custodial interactions.