Miranda Rights: Implications for Juveniles with Disabilities

Juvenile delinquency in the United States has been a persistent concern for decades. Consequently, because more juveniles have been referred to juvenile court and the arrest rate of preteen offenders has increased to almost three times that of older youth, the persistent and often controversial issue of the capacity of juvenile offenders to waive their rights (Miranda rights) and stand trial is particularly important. This article provides a brief overview of the psychological, legal, and educational issues relating to juveniles' understanding of their Miranda rights, with a particular focus on juveniles with disabilities. (Contains 2 tables.)