Opinion ID: 1858055
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Empirical Studies

Text: Another ground cited in Dino for deviating from the totality of the circumstances standard was an empirical study that established the inability of juveniles in general to knowingly and intelligently waive their constitutional rights. 359 So.2d at 593 n. 23 (citing A. Ferguson and A. Douglas, A Study of Juvenile Waiver, 7 San Diego L.Rev. 39 (1970)). The empirical evidence to date arguably continues to demonstrate that most juvenilessimply by reason of their age and limited educationfail to comprehend the language traditionally employed in Miranda warnings and the concepts embodied in the warnings. 1 Randy Hertz et al., Trial Manual for Defense Attorneys in Juvenile Court § 24.10(b)(1991). Nonetheless, we conclude, as have the majority of other jurisdictions, that the needs of juveniles can be accommodated by the totality of the circumstances standard. [5] Indeed, we note that the special needs of juveniles in this regard are analogous to the special need of individuals with mental deficiencies which are simply factored into the totality of the circumstances. We see no reason to treat the impediments of youth any differently.