Washington Outlook

Supreme Court Upholds Miranda Warnings

By Ed Somers
July 17, 2000

In a June 26 ruling, the United States Supreme Court voted 7-2 to uphold the 1966 Miranda decision regarding the rights of a suspect in Blice custody.

The so-called Miranda warning requires police to say some version of the following:

  •      You have the right to remain silent.

  •       Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law.

  •      You have the right to the presence of an attorney to assist you prior to questioning and to be with you during questioning if you so desire.

  •      If you cannot afford an attorney, you have the right to have an attorney appointed for you prior to questioning.

  •      Do you understand these rights?

In making its ruling, the Court left open the question as to whether they would have ruled the same as the original five justices in the Miranda case. However, the Court cited a long tradition of respect for precedent, and found no compelling reason to overturn the decision.

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