Assignment Task: Corey Bauer, age 11, a diminutive (5-feet, 5-inches tall) youth, who loved four-wheeling in the woods, became depressed upon the death of his grandmother. He was caught shoplifting a pack of cigarettes from a grocery store and was placed on probation. Soon, he was caught again, this time for violating his probation by breaking school rules; smoking, skipping classes, and carrying scissors through a metal detector. He was then sent to a juvenile court and placed in detention in Louisiana. Neither he nor his mother was advised of his right to legal counsel. Instead, they were informed that police and court personnel would help get him back on track by providing counseling services instead of a defense lawyer who would just slow things down.
What due process rights are granted to adults that are not necessarily granted to juveniles? Based on your understanding, what is the rationale for depriving juveniles of these rights? What types of questions Corey's mom should begin asking.
What are your thoughts about using confidential informants to help catch criminals? Do you believe that their use can help or hinder an investigation? Explain your response