What are Miranda rights?

Miranda rights are a set of legal rights that must be communicated to a person upon their arrest, ensuring they are aware of their rights to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning. This requirement stems from the U.S. Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona, which established that suspects must be informed of these rights prior to any interrogation to protect against self-incrimination.

This right serves as a safeguard for individuals, ensuring they can make informed decisions about whether to speak to law enforcement. The need for Miranda warnings is an essential aspect of the criminal justice process, as it upholds the principles of fairness and due process under the Fifth Amendment. Understanding the importance of Miranda rights helps students grasp the foundational legal protections afforded to individuals in custody, distinguishing this concept from other legal rights that might pertain to different circumstances, such as court appearances or specific age-related legal protections.