RUSH TO JUDGMENT

Worksheet and Handout

1. Allow students to read the Miranda rights on the next page and ask questions. The following is a brief summary of its origin.

In 1963, a young woman was kidnapped and raped outside of Phoenix, Arizona. A suspect named Ernesto Miranda was arrested and taken to the police station. The young girl identified him. He was then interrogated for two hours and afterwards signed a confession. He was convicted, but the sentence was later overturned. His confession was considered inadmissible because he was not informed of his rights.

In 1966, Chief Justice Earl Warren presided over the decision that requires police to warn an arrested suspect that the government can use any information provided as evidence and that the suspect has a right to remain silent and has the right to counsel. This decision is known as the Miranda rights.

2. Also, all 50 states have laws authorizing the arrest of any individual committing a crime, regardless of severity. However, the 4th Amendment prohibits “unreasonable searches and seizures.”

3. Review 1. and 2. and answer any questions.

4. Bring several articles from a local newspaper about the arrests of different individuals. Divide the class into groups to discuss the arrests and to determine if the police officers considered the rights of the individuals.