(2375) Where Do Your Miranda Rights Come From? | Miranda v. Arizona

Background of the Case

  • Date and Location: March 13, 1963, Phoenix, Arizona.

  • Incident: Ernesto Miranda was arrested for the kidnapping and rape of an 18-year-old woman.

  • Interrogation: Police interrogated Miranda for 2 hours without informing him of his rights or allowing him to contact a lawyer.

Key Events Leading to the Case

  • Confession: After intense questioning, Miranda confessed and signed a statement detailing the attack.

  • Trial Outcome: He was found guilty despite his lawyer arguing that the confession was coerced.

  • Sentence: Sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Appeal Process

  • Initial Appeal: Miranda appealed to the Arizona Supreme Court citing the Fifth and Sixth Amendments.

    • Fifth Amendment: Right against self-incrimination (right to remain silent).

    • Sixth Amendment: Right to an attorney.

  • Ruling: The Arizona Supreme Court upheld the lower court's decision.

Supreme Court Review

  • Review Date: June 1966.

  • Decision: In a close 5-4 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Miranda's confession inadmissible due to violation of his FIFTH and SIXTH amendment rights.

    • Chief Justice Earl Warren emphasized:

    • Defendants must be informed of their right to remain silent.

    • Suspects must be informed they can have an attorney present during questioning.

Dissenting Opinion

  • Concerns raised by dissenting justices:

    • The Constitution does not mandate informing suspects of their rights.

    • Worry about hindering police interrogation and increasing difficulty in convicting criminals.

Impact of the Ruling

  • Miranda Rights: Following the decision,