Title: Miranda v. Arizona - Crime Museum
Headings: Miranda v. Arizona
Miranda v. Arizona
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Content: During Miranda’s police interrogation, he allegedly confessed to committing the crimes, which was later used in his trial as evidence to sentence him to 20 years in prison. However, Miranda appealed to the Arizona Supreme Court, claiming that the police had unconstitutionally obtained his confession because they did not inform him of his right to counsel. After the state court disagreed and upheld his conviction, Miranda appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which reviewed the case in 1966. In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled for Miranda, holding that prosecutors were prohibited from using statements from defendants if they had not been informed of their legal rights. Therefore, Miranda’s confession could not be submitted as evidence against him in his criminal case. This led to Miranda’s conviction ultimately being reversed. The Court reasoned that these procedural safeguards would secure the privilege against self-incrimination for United States citizens and prevent governmental abuse. Additionally, this ruling would protect against false confessions. In the court’s opinion written by Chief Justice Earl Warren, the court specifically outlined the aspects of police warnings that are necessary to relay to suspects, including the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present during interrogations. The term “Miranda rights” that remains in use today has its origins in the Miranda v. Arizona case, and continues to balance police authority with individual rights.