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US Criminal Law

Miranda Rights (US)

The constitutional warnings that US police must give before questioning a person in custody — protecting the 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination and the 6th Amendment right to counsel.

Legal Definition

Established by the Supreme Court in Miranda v. Arizona (1966), Miranda warnings must be given before any custodial interrogation (questioning while not free to leave). The warnings are: (1) you have the right to remain silent; (2) anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law; (3) you have the right to an attorney; (4) if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you. If Miranda warnings are not given before custodial interrogation, statements obtained are generally inadmissible. However, the arrest itself is not invalidated.

📖 Constitutional / Statutory Basis: 5th Amendment (right against self-incrimination); 6th Amendment (right to counsel); Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966)

Practical Example

Police arrest a man for suspected robbery and immediately begin questioning him in the back of a patrol car without giving Miranda warnings. He makes incriminating statements. At trial, his lawyer moves to suppress the statements. The court grants the motion — the statements cannot be used as evidence because Miranda was violated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I say if police want to question me in the US?
Clearly and calmly state: "I am invoking my right to remain silent and my right to an attorney." Then stop talking. This invocation must be unambiguous. Do not answer questions after invoking — anything you say can still be used against you. Wait for your attorney before speaking.
If police don't read me my Miranda rights, is my arrest illegal?
No. The arrest is still valid. Miranda only affects the admissibility of statements made during custodial interrogation without warnings. The remedy is suppression of those statements at trial — not release from arrest.

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