Miranda Rights

What are they?

·         You have the right to remain silent.

·         If you do say anything, what you say can be used against you in a court of law.

·         You have the right to consult with a lawyer and have that lawyer present during any questioning.

·         If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you if you so desire.

·         If you choose to talk to the police officer, you have the right to stop the interview at any time.

Where did they come from?

The Miranda Rights, or more properly called the Miranda Warning, was the result of US Supreme Court Case Miranda v. Arizona (1966), which ruled that, when arrested, the arrestee must be read their rights (outlined above).

Miranda Warning Today

The Miranda Warning in its various versions is in fact still used today in each of the United States. However, since its creation, a number of restrictions have been placed on the Miranda Rights. You still have the right to a free lawyer, but only for up to 14 days after the arrest. Moreover, to activate your right to remain silent, you must state that you are doing so. Perhaps most important of all is that the police do not have to read out the Miranda Warning unless they are about to question you.