no child can possibly understand there miranda rights, they don't know they don't have to give a statement without an attorney present. what happened to christopher pittman is a travesty. we have no idea what he said to the investigator, she just couldn't seem to find any recording equiptment. freedom for christopher.
In the land of the "free" our government is arresting and imprisoning our children and hiding behind the phrase “Tough on Crime”. They are lying to them and tricking them into giving information when they are clearly not able to comprehend the seriousness of their situation due to their age and mental capacity. We all need to write to the President and our senators and representatives and tell them we will not stand for this state sanctioned child abuse in our country. They should be ashamed of how this country is failing our children.
Please save the life of this beautiful child trapped in a set of tragic circumstances because of mind-altering drugs given to him by drs. Set Christopher free by correcting the travesty of justice which began with his confession w/no parent or atty. present, and ended w/his trial during which there was juror misconduct. May God watch over Christopher until that day of freedom arrives.
It blows my mind that the police can question a twelve year old child with out any one there to represent him. Let him wave his Miranda Rights, Take his confession without taping it,
No blood test taken, this is so hard to understand. This is not a teenager, this is a baby.
You can do nothing when your twelve years of age, you can't even join the little league with
out a parents consent, yet you can give up your Miranda rights? Congress has to do something to give Children Constitutional Rights.
Clare
We don't allow children under the age of 18 consent to contracts or sexual intercourse, but suddenly we allow them to waive their basic constitutional rights? It is ridiculous and should not be tolerated.
It could be your child next. I don't wan't anyone in law enforcement talking to my child without me being there. In fact, it is sad that I have to tell them now, not to talk to anyone unless I'm there. tony vitz
children should never be questioned with out counsel or parents present. How is a 12yr. old able to truly understand his rights. Most adults do not. No child at any age should be asked to give up their basic rights.
Who could think it is fair to take advantage of a mentally ill juvenile like this? It is up to Congress to protect the rights of children and of their parents to protect and advise them.
Children are dependent on the doctors, parents and teachers in their lives and all to often are victims of all these adults. To again punish them after they are abused, caught and confess is an ugly contiuation of their demise.
Many children face this crisis everyday. It is a sad truth that we have come to this and individual action like this and more is what is needed to turn things around.
I am ashamed of our nation's conduct concerning the fundamental rights of citizens in the criminal system. We were a beacon of freedom and justice to the world, now we are stripping our weakest citizens of basic rights. This petition is absolutely necessary.
Children are not allowed to sign contracts--it is absurd and immoral to think they have the capacity to understand a waiver of their most basic civil rights.
I cannot imagine any parent permitting their child to give a written statement to the police without a parent, guardian, or attorney present. Hopefully the appellate courts will agree with us on this. Meanwhile, your petition is a good idea.
Chris' rights were violated right from the start. A 12 year old is not capable of understanding miranda rights, never mind what it means to waive them. We must continue to do all we can to help Chris and others in the same situation.
No child should be questioned without an attorney, parent, or advocate there to assist the child and witness all that happens. A child should also never be questioned without a video recorder or an audio recorder at the very least. No matter what type of crime a child committs, the child's rights should be 100% protected. No child should ever be asked to waive his/her miranda rights without an attorney present. Law enforcement should not be allowed to bully children into confessing anything or answering any questions. Our children are the future of our nation, of our world. It is our God given responsibility to protect and properly raise every child, not just our own!
we need to inform our children about their miranda right.teach them so they do not end up in a situation like poor christopher pittman. his constitutional rights were violated and the justice system just does not care it is no big deal to the judge.what have we become when we have to fear the laws that were suppose to protect. shameful!!!
Here, Here! I would blow a gasket to find out that my child was intimidated into talking to law enforcement officers outside of my presence. School campus officers try this business all the time and I tell my children to keep quiet until we are present. Like you say too many things can be taken out of context. Keep this petition moving.
No child should be asked to waive their miranda rights or even be questioned until they have a guardian or attorney present. Children are so naive and have no concept of what the consequences might be. The law enforcement authorities are trained to intimidate those who are being questioned. We need to protect our young people. They are our future!!!
What has happened to this child is an absolute tragedy. He has been failed by this system, by this country. No child can possibly comprehend the legal consequences of waiving Miranda rights.
Christopher needs "help" not "prison". He is still young enough to be rehabilitated, South Carolina Prison system will not do that!!!!!
If he does not get help and spends time in prison, I ask you "what will he be like when he does get out"? PLEASE HELP CHRISTOPHER PITTMAN
No child should ever be asked or tricked into waivering their rights. They would not get away with doing that to an adult!so why should they be allowed to do this to a child.
A child is not an adult.They cannot understand the magnitude of their actions, and should never be asked to waive their rights!! They do NOT understand. Please stop this travesty of injustice!
Children are children and they should be treated so. They cannot make other legal decision, vote or drive. They need to have a legal guardian sign most documents to be valid. How can they be responsible for making a decision like waiving their Miranda Rights. I just don't get it!
Jean
