The Law: Amplification of Miranda

Of all the Supreme Court decisions that have come under withering attack in recent years, one of those that angered the court's critics most was Miranda v. Arizona. In that case, three years ago, the court reversed the kidnap-rape conviction of a man named Ernesto Miranda, who had not been advised of his constitutional rights before he confessed at a Phoenix police station. A 5-to-4 majority of the Justices declared that any criminal suspect is at an enormous disadvantage in the inherently coercive atmosphere of a station house unless fully informed of his rights.

Risking further criticism last week, the court amplified...

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