Miranda Rights

Also known as: Right to Remain Silent, Right to Counsel

In one sentence

Rights that police must inform a suspect of before custodial interrogation, including the right to remain silent and right to counsel.

Plain English

Miranda rights are warnings that police must give to a suspect before questioning them while they are in custody (not free to leave). The warnings tell the suspect they have the right to stay silent, that anything they say can be used against them in court, that they can have a lawyer, and that a lawyer will be provided if they can't afford one. These rights come from a famous Supreme Court case. If police don't give these warnings, statements the suspect makes may not be allowed as evidence in court.

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Example

Police arrest a suspect and place him in an interrogation room. Before asking any questions, the officer reads him his Miranda rights from a card. The suspect says he wants a lawyer, and the police must stop questioning him immediately.

Used in a sentence

“The defendant's confession was excluded from evidence because the officer failed to read him his Miranda rights before questioning.”

Related terms

Discovery

The legal process where parties exchange information and evidence before trial.

Arraignment

A defendant's first court appearance to hear charges and enter a plea.

Exclusionary Rule

Evidence obtained illegally cannot be used in court against a defendant.

Stand Your Ground

A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.

Castle Doctrine

A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.

Expungement

A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.

Felony

A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.

Misdemeanor

A less serious crime punishable by up to one year in jail and/or fines.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.