What are "Miranda rights"?

"Miranda rights" refer to the legal requirement that law enforcement officers must inform a person in custody of their rights before interrogation begins. This includes the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. The purpose of these rights is to protect the suspect's Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination, ensuring that individuals are aware of their rights and can make informed decisions about whether to speak to police.

This requirement arises from the landmark Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona, which established the necessity for police to communicate these rights to individuals in custody. By doing so, it helps safeguard the suspect's ability to communicate freely and avoid coercive or involuntary confessions.