Monday, June 13, 2016

From the Washington Post: Fifty years later, the Miranda decision hasn’t accomplished what the Supreme Court intended

For out look at civil liberties - as well as the power (or lack thereof) of the courts.

- Click here for the article.
Fifty years ago today, the Supreme Court handed down the landmark case Miranda v. Arizona. The decision requires police to inform suspects of their constitutional rights to remain silent and obtain an attorney before being questioned.
Miranda remains perhaps the most well-known case in criminal law, thanks in no small part to such TV shows as “Law and Order” and movies like “21 Jump Street.” But that’s a bit like saying the electoral college is widely familiar. Most Americans know it’s important, but they are a little fuzzy on the details.
So, in honor of the anniversary, here are two underappreciated sides to Miranda.
1 - Miranda is an important test of how much power and influence the Supreme Court actually has.
2 - But the Supreme Court’s achievements in Miranda may be less than meets the eye

For a look at the case itself click here for Oyez's page on it.

And a few other cases related to the rights - which conservatives have been trying to overturn for years.

- The right to remain silent, brought you by J. Edgar Hoover and the FBI.
- Miranda rights for children?
- You have a right to a lawyer — but can’t assert it yet.