Question

What does the Miranda rule simply require that the following 'message' be conveyed to anyone who is about to be subjected to custodial police interrogation?

1) The right to remain silent
2) The right to an attorney
3) The right to a fair trial
4) The right to be treated with dignity

Answer 1

The Miranda rule requires that suspects be informed of their rights before custodial interrogation, including the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the warning that statements can be used in court.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Miranda rule, stemming from the landmark case Miranda v. Arizona in 1966, requires that certain rights be conveyed to a suspect before a custodial police interrogation can proceed. These rights are:

• The right to remain silent;
• A warning that anything said can be used against them in court;
• The right to consult with an attorney; and
• The right to have an attorney appointed if the suspect cannot afford one.

These Miranda rights are designed to protect the suspect's Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. The suspect must be informed of these rights to ensure that any statements made are voluntary and not coerced. If these procedural safeguards are not demonstrated, statements made during interrogation cannot be used as evidence in court. This rule is not just a matter of legal formality; it is a critical component of due process and the protections afforded to individuals within the criminal justice system.