LAW DAY 2022 PRESENTATIONS

MIRANDA: More Than Words

Members of the Lincoln Bar Association, as well as other Lincoln and Lancaster County judges and lawyers will do high school presentations for Law Day 2022 on May 4, 2022. This year’s Law Day theme is “Miranda: More Than Words.”

“Miranda vs. Arizona” stems from the case in which Ernesto Miranda was arrested and interrogated by police officers, during which he was not allowed any outside contact. Officers never informed Mr. Miranda of his rights as a suspect during this time. Mr. iranda ultimately signed a written confession. This confession was introduced at trial, where Miranda was found guilty. The Supreme Court of Arizona upheld this verdict on appeal, saying that officers had not violated Mr. Miranda’s rights.

Upon appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, the Court discussed the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and found held that Mr. Miranda’s written confession could not be used. In its decision, the Court held, “the prosecution may not use statements … stemming from custodial interrogation of the defendant unless it demonstrates the use of procedural safeguards effective to secure the privilege against self-incrimination.” This decision effectively put an end to law enforcement interrogation tactics that took advantage of a suspect’s lack of awareness of their right to counsel and other legal protections. Out of this decision came the Miranda warning and rights. Most people have heard the Miranda warning when they see police arrest someone on TV.

The Lincoln Bar Association’s presentations will discuss the Miranda case along with criminal justice system and the importance of procedural fairness and equal justice under the law.