Miranda v. Arizona

Written by Hannah Oommen on May 29, 2023.

Summary of the Case:

    On March 13, 1963, Ernesto Miranda was arrested for kidnapping and rape. When taken into custody, Miranda admitted crimes to the officers in a written documentation. Later, this evidence was used to prove Miranda guilty for the crimes. Luckily for Miranda, his attorney made a valid argument, claiming that Miranda was not-at-all made aware of his rights as a citizen nor his right to have an attorney present during the interrogation. Yet, the Supreme Court of Arizona stated that Miranda’s right had not been violated and ruled in favor of the  prosecution. However, when the case was brought to the United States Supreme Court, the justices voted 5-4, ruling that the interrogation violated Miranda’s 5th amendment right to due process of law. This landmark case established the “Miranda warning” in the field of law enforcement, meaning that any U.S. citizen must be made aware of  their rights by an officer of the law when being arrested. The Miranda warning is recited as follows: “You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you. You have the right to an attorney, if you cannot afford an attorney one will be provided for you.”

Case Details:

• It was discussed on Feb. 28, March 1 and 2, 1966

• Voting on the case was June 13, 1966 

• Decision 5-4

• Majority voted in favor Miranda acknowledging that his arrest was unconstitutional

• Judges who voted were Justice Harlan, Justices Stewart, Justice Clark and Justice White. Who voted dissenting (voted in favor of the minority) which was against. 

• Chief Justice Warren and joined by Justices Black, Douglas, Brennan, and Fortas. All voted in favor of the case which was majority.

Aftermath:

Miranda was granted a second trial where the documentation he wrote his confession on would not be used as evidence. However, he was still found guilty and his sentence remained unchanged. 

Why are the Miranda rights critical for citizens of America to hear when being arrested? 

By having our miranda rights told to us when getting arrested it allows citizens of America to be aware of what rights they have. This ensures that the people have a fair trial, something called “due process of law”.

Questions:

How would our lives be affected if we were never aware of our rights when being arrested?

Before the Miranda rights were established, were trials or arrests fair?