Miranda v. Arizona

Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966), is a landmark decision of the United States Supreme Court.

Ernesto Miranda was arrested for kidnapping and rape and was identified by the victim. After two hours of interrogation, he signed a written confession. The confession was used at trial and he was convicted. Miranda argued that his confession should have been excluded because he had not been informed of his rights and had not waived them.

Significance

Chief Justice Warren’s 5-4 opinion established the Miranda warnings. Before custodial interrogation, police must inform suspects of: (1) their right to remain silent; (2) that anything they say can be used against them; (3) their right to have an attorney present; and (4) that an attorney will be appointed if they cannot afford one. Statements obtained without these warnings are presumptively inadmissible. The decision generated enormous controversy but has become deeply embedded in American police practice. It remains one of the most recognized Supreme Court decisions.

Category

US Federal Case Law