Ernesto Miranda was arrested in his own home for a serious crime and held in an interrogation room. He was not informed of his right to remain silent, nor was he informed that he could be represented by an attorney.
Eventually, after a two-hour interrogation conducted by two police officers, Miranda signed a statement that indicated he had voluntarily confessed to the crime of which he was accused. On the basis of the confession, Miranda was found guilty. He appealed to the Arizona Supreme Court, which affirmed the guilty verdict. Miranda asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear his appeal.
Is this the type of case that belongs in the U.S. Supreme Court? Explain the reasons for your response. Should the Supreme Court uphold or overturn the state court's conviction of Miranda?
Explain the Constitution and find the Amendment that guarantees the right to remain silent when arrested for a criminal action. Examine the Constitution and find the Amendment that extends that right to defendants in state criminal actions.
Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (U.S. Sup. Ct.)