Bill > H7954

This bill prohibits a peace officer, as defined in § 12-7-21, from employing threats, physical harm, deprivation, deception, coercion, or psychologically manipulative interrogation tactics during the custodial interrogation of a juvenile. It defines these prohibited tactics, such as maximization and minimization techniques, making false or forced choices, and using undue pressure. The bill states that any statements obtained through these tactics shall not form the basis of further investigative activities, and any evidence obtained from such statements shall be presumed inadmissible against the juvenile, unless the state can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the statement was given voluntarily and without the use of the prohibited tactics. The bill takes effect upon passage.