Miranda v. Arizona

( 1966 ) Commentary by Randy Wagner, University of Denver Sturm College of Law

“The current practice of incommunicado interrogation is at odds with one of our Nation's most cherished principles—that the individual may not be compelled to incriminate himself. Unless adequate protective devices are employed to dispel the compulsion inherent in custodial surroundings, no statement obtained from the defendant can truly be the product of his free choice.” - Chief Justice Earl Warren's Majority Opinion, Part I
“The accused who does not know his rights and therefore does not make a request may be the person who most needs counsel.” - Chief Justice Earl Warren's Majority Opinion, Part III

Chief Justice Earl Warren wrote the Court's decision in Miranda v. Arizona. (Library of Congress)

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