June 13
MIRANDA DAY
When reading this description of this day in history, you have the right to remain silent...
On this day in 1966, the Miranda Decision was handed down by the United States Supreme Court. The 5-4 decision regarded the rights of individuals to remain silent because “...anything you say, can and will be used against you in a court of law.” It held that the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States “required warnings before valid statements could be taken by police.”
If you are held for questioning, you will hear police read you your rights or read you the Miranda, the more common reference to the Miranda Decision. The card imprinted with the Miranda Decision, and carried by the police, put some money in the pockets of then, 23-year-old Ernesto Miranda. The subject of Miranda vs. Arizona, he signed the cards, selling his autograph. Some ten years later, a man, suspected of stabbing Miranda to death during a card game, was released after being read his Miranda rights. A warrant was later issued for his arrest; but he was never seen again.
Without notifying suspects of their Miranda Rights, law enforcement in the U.S. has little basis for prosecution. What a criminal defendant says if not informed, before being questioned, that he/she has the right to remain silent and speak with an attorney or other legal counsel present, will not be admitted in court.
Book ’em, Danno ... and read ’em their rights.
Those Were the Days, the Today in History service from 440 International
No portion of these files may be reproduced without the express, written permission of 440 International Inc.
