Reading inference — Miranda warnings and police interrogations A passage explains the 1966 Supreme Court decision in Miranda v. Arizona: before police can obtain statements in an interrogation, they must issue a Miranda warning telling the person they have the right to remain silent; statements obtained in violation are inadmissible. Which statement is best supported?
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Apolice who do not warn persons of their Miranda rights are guilty of a crime.
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Ba Miranda warning must be given before a police interrogation can begin.
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Cthe police may no longer interrogate persons suspected of a crime unless a lawyer is present.
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Dthe 1966 Supreme Court decision in Miranda should be reversed
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Epersons who are interrogated by police should always remain silent until their lawyer comes
Answer
Correct Answer: a Miranda warning must be given before a police interrogation can begin.
Explanation
Introduction / Context:This passage focuses on constitutional criminal procedure. The key point is that statements resulting from custodial interrogation are inadmissible unless preceded by a Miranda warning informing the person of the right to remain silent. Your job is to choose the statement that most directly reflects this rule.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Before obtaining statements during interrogation, police must give a Miranda warning.
- The warning includes the right to remain silent.
- If police violate this requirement, the statements are not admissible in court.
Concept / Approach:Favor the option that paraphrases the procedural precondition: Miranda must precede interrogation if statements are to be used. Avoid options that introduce new legal conclusions (criminal liability for police, mandatory lawyer presence) not stated in the passage.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the necessary condition: warning before interrogation statements are taken.Map this requirement to the answer choices.Option B restates the rule succinctly and accurately.Eliminate choices that add unstated consequences or opinions.Verification / Alternative check: Why Other Options Are Wrong: Common Pitfalls:Confusing exclusionary rules (inadmissibility) with criminal penalties for police. Also, do not infer a right-to-counsel requirement where the passage only specifies warnings. Final Answer:a Miranda warning must be given before a police interrogation can begin.