About

Arizona was a landmark United States Supreme Court case in which the Court held that the police must inform suspects of their constitutional rights before questioning them during an arrest. The case originated in 1963, when Ernesto Miranda was arrested for kidnapping and rape. During the interrogation, Miranda confessed to the crimes without being informed of his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination or his Sixth Amendment right to an attorney. Miranda's confession was used as evidence during his trial, and he was subsequently convicted. However, his lawyer appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that the confession should have been excluded as evidence because Miranda was not aware of his rights. The Supreme Court agreed, ruling that the Fifth Amendment required law enforcement officials to advise suspects of their right to remain silent and their right to an attorney during custodial interrogation. This ruling led to the creation of the famous "Miranda warning," which is now given by police officers to suspects before questioning them. The case has had a significant impact on criminal procedure in the United States, ensuring that suspects are aware of their rights and protecting them from coerced confessions.