In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court found on this date in 1966 that Ernesto Miranda had not been informed of his rights before he confessed to the rape of a mildly retarded 18-year-old woman in 1963. His case was remanded to Arizona for a new trial. More importantly, the decision stated that the Constitution required that all persons arrested be informed of their rights before they were interrogated. These rights became known as Miranda Rights.
- You have the right to remain silent.
- Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law.
- You have the right to have an attorney present now and during any future questioning.
- If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you free of charge if you wish.
Ernesto Miranda was retried (he had remained in prison throughout on another conviction). He was found guilty on other evidence and sentenced for a second time to 20-30 years for rape. He was paroled in 1972 and for a time sold autographed “Miranda” cards such as the police carried.
Ultimately Miranda was stabbed to death in a bar fight in 1976.
Read the decision.
View Chief Justice Warren’s handwritten notes.
Listen to the oral argument [45 MB mp3 file].
AmericanHeritage.com had some background last year on the 40th anniversary.