DEFINITION:
Miranda Rights: Also known as Miranda warning or Miranda decision, Miranda Rights refer to a set of legal rights that must be informed to an individual upon their arrest, ensuring protection against self-incrimination during police interrogations.
FAQs:
1. What are Miranda Rights?
– Miranda Rights are the legal rights that police officers must inform individuals of upon their arrest, including the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the warning that anything they say can be used against them in court.
2. When did Miranda Rights come into existence?
– Miranda Rights originated from the landmark Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona in 1966. This case established the requirement for law enforcement officers to inform arrested individuals of their Constitutional rights before conducting custodial interrogations.
3. Why are Miranda Rights important?
– Miranda Rights play a crucial role in ensuring fair and just legal proceedings. They protect individuals from self-incrimination and guarantee their right to legal counsel, preventing coerced confessions and establishing a level playing field in the criminal justice system.
4. Do Miranda Rights apply to all situations?
– No, Miranda Rights only apply to custodial interrogations, where an individual is in police custody and being questioned by law enforcement officers. They do not need to be read during routine traffic stops or casual conversations with the police.
5. What happens if Miranda Rights are not read?
– If Miranda Rights are not read to an arrested individual before a custodial interrogation, any statements or confessions made during the interrogation may be deemed inadmissible as evidence in court. This does not invalidate the arrest itself, but it may impact the prosecution’s case.
