Can a juvenile under the age of 14 waive their Miranda rights?

Juveniles under the age of 14 generally do not have the legal capacity to waive their Miranda rights. This is based on the understanding that children at this age may not fully comprehend the implications of waiving their rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel. The law seeks to protect younger individuals from making decisions that could negatively impact their legal standing due to their limited understanding of the situation.

While some jurisdictions may allow waivers under certain circumstances, generally, a court is likely to find that any waiver made by a juvenile under 14 years of age is invalid, thus ensuring that their rights remain protected. This is a critical understanding in juvenile law to ensure fairness in the legal process, especially when dealing with vulnerable populations.