Miranda

Abstract

Miranda v. Arizona , 384 U.S. 436 (1966) established the legal obligation for police officers to disclose a set of procedural safeguards to suspects in custodial interrogations. The decision to invoke or waive Miranda rights has been a focus of social science research. Age, intellectual deficits, listening and reading comprehension, as well as severe psychopathology have all been identified as factors contributing to poor comprehension and understanding of the Miranda warnings. Forensic mental health professionals also conduct evaluations and present expert testimony to assist courts in determining whether a Miranda waiver made by a defendant was knowing, intelligent, and voluntary.