Which statement accurately describes Miranda warnings in custodial interrogations?

• A. They Are Required Only in Interrogations of Juveniles
• B. They Are Required for All Citizens Questioned by Police
• C. They Are Required Only During Traffic Stops
• D. They Are Never Required in Custodial Interrogations

Answer: (B)

Miranda warnings protect a person’s Fifth Amendment rights during police questioning, and they apply when the situation is custodial and the police are interrogating the person. Custody means a reasonable person would feel they’re not free to leave, and interrogation means the police are asking questions or engaging in conduct that elicits information about the crime. If both conditions exist, the warnings must be given before questioning continues to ensure the suspect understands the right to remain silent and the right to counsel (and that any waiver of those rights is voluntary). They aren’t required for every citizen who is questioned—only in custodial interrogations. They aren’t limited to juveniles or to traffic stops. If the person is not in custody or not being interrogated about a crime, Miranda warnings aren’t triggered.