Which scenario indicates Miranda protections are triggered?

Which scenario indicates Miranda protections are triggered?

• A. A routine traffic stop with no custody.
• B. A voluntary question asked of a suspect at a police station while not in custody.
• C. Custodial interrogation.
• D. Questioning by a civilian observer.

Answer: (C)

Miranda protections come into play only when a person is in custody and being questioned by the police. Custody means a reasonable person would not feel free to leave, and interrogation means asking questions or engaging in actions likely to elicit an incriminating response. In a routine traffic stop with no custody, there isn’t custodial interrogation, so Miranda warnings aren’t required. A voluntary question at a police station while not in custody also isn’t custodial, so Miranda does not apply. Custodial interrogation—where the person is in custody and the police are questioning them—triggers Miranda rights and the opportunity to consult with an attorney. Questioning by a civilian observer isn’t police interrogation, so Miranda protections don’t apply.

Miranda protections come into play only when a person is in custody and being questioned by the police. Custody means a reasonable person would not feel free to leave, and interrogation means asking questions or engaging in actions likely to elicit an incriminating response. In a routine traffic stop with no custody, there isn’t custodial interrogation, so Miranda warnings aren’t required. A voluntary question at a police station while not in custody also isn’t custodial, so Miranda does not apply. Custodial interrogation—where the person is in custody and the police are questioning them—triggers Miranda rights and the opportunity to consult with an attorney. Questioning by a civilian observer isn’t police interrogation, so Miranda protections don’t apply.