Anyone who has seen an episode of Law and Order, NCIS—or any other police drama—has heard a police officer recite: "You have the right to remain silent. If you give up the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you desire an attorney and cannot afford one, an attorney will be obtained for you before police questioning." These statements, or similar advisories, are generally known as “Miranda Rights.” But what exactly are Miranda Rights and what are they designed to protect? more...