Miranda v. Arizona: The Constitution: Living or Dead? Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Section.Paragraph) or (Section.Subsection.Paragraph)

Quote #1

The prosecution may not use statements […] stemming from questioning […] unless it demonstrates the use of procedural safeguards effective to secure the Fifth Amendment's privilege against self-incrimination. (Syllabus.2)

This whole case revolves around the Fifth Amendment. The question becomes: how far does this "privilege against self-incrimination" go? And at what cost?

Quote #2

Rights declared in words might be lost in reality. (Opinion.6)

So true.

Quote #3

At the outset, if a person in custody is to be subjected to interrogation, he must first be informed in clear and unequivocal terms that he has the right to remain silent. For those unaware of the privilege, the warning is needed simply to make them aware of it. (Opinion.III.3)

Warren makes sure to say that the court isn't really manufacturing any new rights in this decision. The rights already existed, but the Court realized that people in custody might be too young or intimidated or rattled or drunk to really understand those rights.