Home > Landmark Library > Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the 5th Amendment right to silence and the 6th Amendment right to a lawyer.
  • Identify the main arguments put forth in the case.
  • Explain why the Supreme Court believed a warning is necessary.
  • Identify the impact of the Court’s decision on everyday law enforcement.
  • Analyze the purpose of the “Miranda warning.”
  • Defend or critique the principle that justice must not be obtained improperly.

Overview

This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that prohibited a suspect’s statements from being used as evidence unless the suspect has been advised of his or her rights to remain silent. Students learn about the 5th Amendment right against coerced confessions and the 6th Amendment right to a lawyer, and how the right to a lawyer is essential to guarantee the right to silence. They analyze the “Miranda warning” and consider the principle that justice must not be obtained improperly.

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