Published by Louis Pissios
Miranda v. Arizona facts:
Parties: The case was named after Ernesto Miranda, the defendant, and the state of Arizona, which was the prosecuting party.
Crime and arrest: In 1963, Miranda was arrested by the Phoenix, Arizona police on charges of kidnapping and rape. He was identified by the victim and taken into custody.
Police interrogation: While in custody, Miranda was interrogated by the police for approximately two hours. During this interrogation, he confessed to the crimes. However, Miranda was not informed of his rights before or during the questioning.
Trial and conviction: The confession obtained during the interrogation was a crucial piece of evidence used against Miranda at his trial. He was subsequently convicted of kidnapping and rape and received a prison sentence.
Supreme Court decision: Miranda’s case reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which heard arguments in 1966. The Court’s decision was announced on June 13, 1966.
Fifth Amendment violation: The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, ruled in favor of Miranda, stating that his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination had been violated. The Court held that the police must inform individuals of their rights before conducting custodial interrogations.
The “Miranda warning”: As a result of the Court’s decision, law enforcement agencies are now required to read individuals their Miranda rights before conducting custodial interrogations. The warnings typically include the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the caution that anything the person says can be used against them in court.
Impact and legacy: The Miranda decision had a significant impact on criminal procedure and the protection of individuals’ rights during police interrogations. It is considered one of the most influential Supreme Court decisions in U.S. legal history.
These facts provide an overview of the case of Miranda v. Arizona and its importance in establishing the Miranda warning and protecting individuals’ rights during police interrogations.