Miranda v. Arizona
By: Annalise Holzwarth
Who was involved?
Ernesto Miranda (petitioner), Chief Justice Earl Warren, the Supreme Court justices at the time. As well as advocates for the petitioner and respondent.
What Happened?
Ernesto Miranda was arrested in his house and brought to the police station where he was questioned for a connection with a kidnapping and rape. Eventually, Miranda gave the police a written confession after 2 hours.
Where and When did it occur?
The case happened in Phoenix, Arizona and lasted from February 28, 1966 - June 13, 1966
How and Why was it brought to the Supreme Court?
During his interrogation, Miranda had confessed to the kidnapping and rape without an attorney present, and also without the knowledge of his Fifth Amendment rights. This is how the case made its way to the Supreme Court.
What was the Supreme Court ruling?
The majority of the court found Miranda guilty for his crimes.
Main arguments
On the 5-4 vote, the majority voted that when someone gets arrested, their rights need to be read to them (Miranda Rights, named after this case). The other half voted that people should know their rights and should not have to be told their rights. The rights that were not told to Miranda were: The right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
Landmark Case
This is a landmark case because now when anyone is arrested, police officers have to list the person's Fifth Amendment rights as they are getting arrested as a way to avoid self-incrimination which is a violation of the fifth amendment.