Final answer:
Miranda warnings must be read to individuals in police custody before interrogation to ensure their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination is protected. These rights include the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel. The mandate stems from the landmark Supreme Court decision in Miranda v. Arizona.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prior to an interrogation, Miranda warnings must be read (absent an exception) if the individual is in police custody and subject to interrogation. The Miranda v. Arizona case established that the right against self-incrimination is protected under the Fifth Amendment and requires law enforcement to inform suspects of their rights.
These rights include the right to remain silent, the right to consult with a lawyer, the right to have a lawyer appointed if they cannot afford one, and the right to terminate questioning at any time.
The Miranda decision was a pivotal moment in law, enforcing the procedure that statements made in a custodial interrogation cannot be used as evidence unless the suspect was informed of and understood these rights.
Although in some cases, such as Montejo v. Louisiana, a defendant may waive these rights, the initial requirement to inform suspects of their Miranda rights remains a pillar of U.S. jurisprudence. The determination of the Supreme Court in Miranda v. Arizona reflects the balance the judiciary strives to maintain between protecting individual rights and upholding public safety.