Miranda v. Arizona

In the opinions^* and briefs^* that follow, the reader is invited to explore the issue of interrogation of criminal suspects and the question of when a suspect's confession to a crime should be admitted at trial. As you read this section, you may wish to consider the following questions:

• Why does the Constitution protect a criminal suspect from being a witness against himself or herself?
• Under what circumstances could a police officer ask an individual questions about a crime without having to give the person the Miranda warnings?
• What is the purpose of the right to counsel?