What are "Miranda rights"?

"Miranda rights" refer to the legal rights that must be conveyed to a suspect before any interrogation occurs. This requirement stems from the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona (1966), which established that individuals taken into police custody must be informed of their rights to remain silent and to an attorney, ensuring they understand their constitutional protections against self-incrimination.

The purpose of reading Miranda rights is to safeguard a suspect's Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and their Sixth Amendment right to counsel. If these rights are not communicated, any statements made by the suspect during interrogation may be inadmissible in court. Thus, the requirement is a foundational aspect of law enforcement procedures in the United States, ensuring that suspects are aware of their rights while in custody.