Miranda Rights, and the Protests of Today

In the last semester of our Junior school year, we created our final action projects. This action project was for my class is known as Policy. We spent the term learning about the different branches that make up the government in America. We learned what Policy in America is, and how Policy is executed. We spoke with Paula Wolff, CCHS, and Public Defender Attorney Connie Jordan, to learn about how Policy shapes our justice system, our communities, and the country. Below is my analysis of the supreme court case known as the Miranda vs. Arizona case, and the impact it has had on America today.

In the slideshow below is a summary of the Miranda vs. Arizona case, and other information regarding the case.

When the case was appealed to the supreme court of justice, the case no longer was about whether or not Miranda had the committed the crimes that he confessed to. It was about whether or not the procedures done by the Arizona police department were constitutional. The 5th amendment right protects an accused person from self-incrimination. The 6th amendment also protects the rights of the accused to an attorney, before speaking.

In this case, Ernesto Miranda, the plaintiff, stated that within the 2 hours of his interrogation, he was not advised of his rights to remain silent or consult a council. The prosecutor's thesis is that Miranda went through legal and negotiated proceedings. They wanted Miranda to uphold his convictions and prevent further questioning of the work of the police. What made this case particularly difficult to come to an agreement was the big question which is on slide five.

Chief Justice Earl Warren stood with Miranda. The case was very close and almost seems to be a case that is still unclarified and filled with opposing opinions. Even after the ruling, Warren still argued with his fellow justices on the decision. The dissenting 4 believed that "the majority created an unnecessarily strict interpretation of the Fifth Amendment that curtails the ability of the police to effectively execute their duties."
The biggest reason why the Miranda rights have been such an important part of America's laws and law enforcement is because of the central park five. if the Miranda rights did not exist at the time of the wrongful conviction of the five young boys, their confession would have been accepted as final evidence and. They would have never stood a chance against the wrongful co
nvictions. The case of the central park five is very similar to the Miranda vs. Arizona case. The wrongfully convicted were not read their rights or aware of them.
With what is happening in the world today, especially in America, Miranda rights are very relevant and important for everyone to be aware of. There is a lot of police brutality going on all over the country, with many people falling as a victim to the systemic corruption of the police force. Many people today, are very aware of the Miranda rights, and often forget that it is a legal requirement for officers to remind you of your rights when you are being detained.
I am really glad that I have reviewed the Miranda vs. Arizona case. I think it's important to know where my rights originated from and how the court decides the way the constitution is enforced. During this time of rage and frustration, many people in America feel that their voices are unheard of. Some voices are silent, and I think we forget that silence can be powerful. Whether it is to protest or defend yourself from self-incrimination.
Thank you for reading my blogpost.
CITATIONS
“Ernesto Miranda.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 14 May 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernesto_Miranda.
“Facts and Case Summary - Miranda v. Arizona.” United States Courts, www.uscourts.gov/educational-resources/educational-activities/facts-and-case-summary-miranda-v-arizona.
History.com Editors. “Miranda Rights.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 9 Nov. 2009, www.history.com/topics/united-states-constitution/miranda-rights.
“Miranda v. Arizona.” Infoplease, Infoplease, www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/history/north-america/court-cases/miranda-v-arizona#:~:text=Miranda%20v.,on%20kidnapping%20and%20rape%20charges.
“{{Meta.pageTitle}}.” {{Meta.siteName}}, www.oyez.org/cases/1965/759.

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