Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

Background info

• Began with the case of Ernesto Miranda (Plaintiff) 
• Charged with rape, kidnapping, and robbery
• Was not informed of his rights prior to police interrogation 
• Argued that the police had unconstitutionally received his confession
• The Arizona court (Defendant) disagreed and upheld the conviction

Majority opinion

• Chief Justice Earl Warren, ruled that the confession could not be evidence
• The police had failed to inform Miranda of his right to an attorney 
• Justification was the 5th and 6th amendments 
• Right to refuse to be a witness against himself 
• Guarantees criminal defendants the right to an attorney  

Precedent

• A suspect's waiver of rights must be informed and intentional 
•  Westover v. United States (Voided)
•  California v. Stewart (Voided)

My reaction

• I agree with the Supreme court's decision 
• Right to an attorney before questioning 
• Right to refuse to be a witness against oneself