The Miranda rights are a set of rights that are read to individuals who are taken into custody by law enforcement officers in the United States. The Miranda warning originated from the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona (1966), in which the court ruled that individuals who are taken into custody must be informed of their Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights before any custodial interrogation takes place.
The Miranda warning typically includes the following statements:
- You have the right to remain silent.
- Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
- You have the right to an attorney.
- If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.
These rights are meant to inform individuals of their legal protections against self-incrimination and their right to legal representation. The Miranda warning is an important safeguard against coerced confessions and is an essential part of the criminal justice system in the United States.