Supreme Court Issues Miranda Decision-1966

Supreme Court
Court

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court overturned the conviction of a kidnaper after ruling that he had not been advised of his rights before he confessed.

 


Ernesto Miranda was arrested and convicted for the kidnapping and rape of an 18 year old girl. After being questioned for two hours, he signed a confession. In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court overruled the conviction, asserting that his conviction was obtained illegally. Chief Justice Earl Warren, writing for the majority, explained that police must observe three rules when interrogating a suspect. The suspect must be informed that he or she has the right to remain silent, that anything he says can and will be used against him in a court of law and that he or she has the right to have an attorney present.