Florida Civics Literacy (FCLE) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The holding in Miranda v. Arizona (1966) is fundamentally about protecting individuals against self-incrimination, a right enshrined in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. In this landmark case, the Supreme Court established that individuals taken into police custody must be informed of their rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. This requirement aims to ensure that any confession or statement made by a defendant is truly voluntary and informed, thus safeguarding against coercive interrogation tactics that could compel someone to incriminate themselves.

The ruling underscores the principle that defendants must be made aware of their rights to avoid self-incrimination before any questioning occurs. This transformation has significant implications for law enforcement practices and the criminal justice system, reinforcing the need for constitutional protections during the interrogation process. The establishment of the "Miranda warning" has become a critical component of police procedure across the nation, emphasizing the importance of individual rights in the context of criminal proceedings.