EPISODE 90 - Origins- Ernesto Miranda

Ernesto Miranda was a central figure in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona (1966), which established the "Miranda rights." These rights require police to inform suspects of their right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning to ensure that confessions are not coerced and that the rights against self-incrimination are protected under the Fifth Amendment.

Miranda, a laborer with a history of run-ins with the law, was arrested in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1963 on suspicion of kidnapping and rape. During police interrogation, Miranda confessed to the crimes, but he had not been informed of his right to remain silent or to have legal counsel. His confession was used as evidence in his trial, leading to his conviction. However, his defense attorney argued that the confession should have been inadmissible because Miranda had not been informed of his constitutional rights.

The Supreme Court's decision in Miranda v. Arizona led to the creation of the "Miranda warning," a standard practice in U.S. law enforcement to protect suspects' rights. After the ruling, Miranda's conviction was overturned, and he was retried without the confession being used as evidence. He was still convicted based on other evidence.

Miranda's legacy is the procedural safeguard now familiar to many: "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you." These words are a crucial part of American criminal procedure.