Protecting the juvenile suspect: what exactly is the appropriate adult supposed to do? [2006] CFLQ 373

Juvenile suspects at a police station can expect the assistance of a number of adults with specific responsibilities and duties to safeguard their interests. If the juvenile is one with a limited command of the English language, those summoned to his aid might be the solicitor, the interpreter and the appropriate adult. In the light of recent developments, this article examines the appropriate adult role when compared to these other roles. It questions whether the appropriate adult role successfully achieves its purported objectives as found in the PACE Codes, and whether it provides adequate 'protection' for the juvenile suspect.