What does the Miranda rule require regarding custodial interrogation?

• A. Suspects in custody must be warned of their rights and waivers before interrogation.
• B. The suspect must be given warnings only if they are accused of a capital crime.
• C. Warnings are optional and only required at trial.
• D. Warnings are required only if the suspect requests counsel.

Answer: (A)

During custodial interrogation, the police must give the suspect Miranda warnings and obtain a voluntary waiver of those rights before questioning begins. This means the officer must inform the person of their right to remain silent, that anything they say can be used against them, and their right to consult with an attorney and have one appointed if they cannot afford one. Only after making these warnings can the suspect knowingly and intelligently waive those rights and be questioned. This captures both the need to warn and the requirement that any questioning proceed only after a valid waiver.

The other ideas don’t fit because warnings are required whenever a person is in custody and being interrogated, not only for capital crimes; warnings aren’t optional or delayed until trial, and they aren’t contingent on the suspect asking for counsel.