Legal Research AI

Miranda v. Arizona

Miranda v. Arizona is a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that established the requirement for law enforcement to inform a suspect of their rights before conducting a custodial interrogation. This case is foundational in the context of the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and the Sixth Amendment right to counsel.

Case Overview:

Case Name: Miranda v. Arizona
Citation: 384 U.S. 436 (1966)
Date Filed: June 13, 1966
Citation Count: 43,759
URL: Miranda v. Arizona

Facts of the Case:

Ernesto Miranda was arrested and interrogated by police officers in connection with a kidnapping and rape. During the interrogation, he confessed to the crimes. However, he was not informed of his right to counsel or his right to remain silent.

Legal Issues:

The central legal issue was whether the Fifth Amendment's protection against self-incrimination extends to the police interrogation of a suspect.

Court's Holding:

The Supreme Court held that the prosecution could not use statements arising from a custodial interrogation of a suspect unless it demonstrated the use of procedural safeguards effective to secure the privilege against self-incrimination. This led to the establishment of the "Miranda Rights," which require police to inform suspects of their rights to remain silent and to obtain an attorney.

Reasoning:

The Court reasoned that the Fifth Amendment privilege is fully applicable during a period of custodial interrogation. The decision emphasized the coercive nature of custodial interrogation and the necessity of procedural safeguards to protect the rights of individuals.

Impact and Subsequent Developments:

Miranda v. Arizona has had a profound impact on law enforcement practices in the United States. It has been cited in numerous subsequent cases and remains a critical component of criminal procedure. The decision has been subject to various interpretations and modifications over the years, but the core principle of informing suspects of their rights remains intact.

Current Relevance:

The principles established in Miranda continue to be relevant in today's legal landscape, with ongoing discussions about their application and scope in various contexts.