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Claire Mendelsohn
I'm a junior at Abraham Joshua Heschel School in New York with a deep interest in law and justice. My focus centers on a critical yet often overlooked issue: coercive interrogation tactics used on youth in the criminal justice system.
Young people are uniquely vulnerable to psychological pressure during police questioning, often leading to false confessions and wrongful convictions. Through my work, I aim to shine a light on this systemic problem by surfacing real-world cases, examining the tactics that exploit developmental vulnerabilities, and creating practical resources for those who can make a difference.
My goal is to equip legal professionals, law enforcement, educators, and young people themselves with the knowledge and tools needed to recognize coercion, understand their rights, and advocate for fairer treatment of minors in the justice system. I believe that awareness is the first step toward meaningful reform, and that by empowering individuals with information, we can work toward a system that truly protects its youngest and most vulnerable participants.