Custodial interrogation carries inherent pressure. Miranda rights are the familiar warnings, required in the United States, that police must give before interrogating a suspect in custody: the right to remain silent, that statements can be used against them, the right to an attorney, and the right to appointed counsel if they cannot afford one.

The rule stems from the Supreme Court’s decision in Miranda v. Arizona and aims to protect the privilege against self-incrimination. Statements obtained in violation are generally inadmissible in the prosecution’s case-in-chief. Suspects may waive the rights if the waiver is knowing, intelligent, and voluntary.

Public safety exceptions and routine booking questions limit the rule’s reach in narrow circumstances. Officers carry cards with the warnings to ensure accuracy. The phrase “Miranda rights” has entered popular culture, but its legal effect depends on custody plus interrogation.

• Required warnings before custodial interrogation in the U.S.
• Protects the right to silence and to counsel
• Violation can lead to exclusion of statements
• May be waived voluntarily and knowingly