MIRANDA V. ARIZONA
Year: 1966
Result: 5:4, favor Miranda
Related Constitutional issue/amendment: 5th amendment (self incrimination)
Civil Rights or Civil Liberties: Liberties
Significance/Precedent: Any confession given by a person that is not aware of their rights to be silent, have an attorney present during questioning, and be offered an attorney free of charge if they cannot afford one is considered involuntary and may not be used in court; Miranda cards are established to ensure that policemen are following criminal processes and giving the accused their rights. Authorities and the accused are protected.
Quote from majority opinion: "We have concluded that, without proper safeguards, the process of in-custody interrogation of persons suspected or accused of crime contains inherently compelling pressures which work to undermine the individual's will to resist and to compel him to speak where he would not otherwise do so freely. In order to combat these pressures and to permit a full opportunity to exercise the privilege against self-incrimination, the accused must be adequately and effectively apprised of his rights, and the exercise of those rights must be fully honored."
6-word summary: invalid confession without knowledge of rights
Result: 5:4, favor Miranda
Related Constitutional issue/amendment: 5th amendment (self incrimination)
Civil Rights or Civil Liberties: Liberties
Significance/Precedent: Any confession given by a person that is not aware of their rights to be silent, have an attorney present during questioning, and be offered an attorney free of charge if they cannot afford one is considered involuntary and may not be used in court; Miranda cards are established to ensure that policemen are following criminal processes and giving the accused their rights. Authorities and the accused are protected.
Quote from majority opinion: "We have concluded that, without proper safeguards, the process of in-custody interrogation of persons suspected or accused of crime contains inherently compelling pressures which work to undermine the individual's will to resist and to compel him to speak where he would not otherwise do so freely. In order to combat these pressures and to permit a full opportunity to exercise the privilege against self-incrimination, the accused must be adequately and effectively apprised of his rights, and the exercise of those rights must be fully honored."
6-word summary: invalid confession without knowledge of rights