Select a criminal law case from the Opinions of the Court page of the U.S. Supreme Court website.
Create a 10- to 12-slide Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation (excluding the title, introductory and reference slides from the total number of slides required), with speaker notes, in which you address the following:
Summarize the case.
Who were the main parties in the case?
What were the charges?
What defense was used? Refer to Ch. 6 of Essential Criminal Law for possible defenses.
What was the decision?
Identify the functions and effects of criminal law in modern society reflected in the case you selected.
What function did the law serve in the case?
What effect did the law have in the case?
Cite all sources used according to APA guidelines.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Persuasive Essay on the Case of Miranda v. Arizona
Introduction
In the landmark case of Miranda v. Arizona, the United States Supreme Court made a significant ruling that has had a lasting impact on criminal law and the protection of individual rights in the United States. This case not only highlighted the importance of due process and the rights of the accused but also underscored the critical role of the legal system in safeguarding these fundamental liberties.
Case Summary
Miranda v. Arizona was a case that involved Ernesto Miranda, a man who was arrested and charged with kidnapping and rape in Phoenix, Arizona. During the police interrogation, Miranda confessed to the crimes without being informed of his constitutional rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present. These confessions were crucial evidence used against him in court.
Main Parties and Charges
The main parties in the case were Ernesto Miranda, the defendant, and the state of Arizona, the prosecution. Miranda was charged with kidnapping and rape based on his own confession during police interrogation.
Defense Used
In the case of Miranda v. Arizona, the defense argued that Miranda’s confession should be excluded from evidence because it was obtained in violation of his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. The defense contended that Miranda was not informed of his rights before confessing, rendering the confession involuntary and inadmissible in court.
Decision
In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Miranda, holding that the confession obtained during police interrogation was inadmissible as evidence because Miranda had not been informed of his constitutional rights. This decision led to the establishment of the now-famous “Miranda rights,” which require law enforcement officials to inform suspects of their rights before conducting custodial interrogations.
Functions and Effects of Criminal Law
The case of Miranda v. Arizona exemplifies the functions and effects of criminal law in modern society. The law served the function of protecting individual rights and ensuring that due process is followed in criminal proceedings. By requiring law enforcement to inform suspects of their rights, the law helps prevent coerced confessions and safeguards against violations of constitutional protections.
The effect of the law in this case was profound, as it established a precedent that has shaped criminal procedure in the United States for decades. The decision in Miranda v. Arizona has had a lasting impact on how law enforcement conducts interrogations and how courts handle confessions, ensuring that individuals are afforded their constitutional rights even in the face of criminal charges.
In conclusion, the case of Miranda v. Arizona stands as a testament to the vital role of criminal law in upholding justice and protecting individual liberties. By recognizing and enforcing fundamental rights such as the right to remain silent and the right to counsel, this case has left a lasting legacy that continues to shape the criminal justice system in America today.
References
– Supreme Court of the United States. (1966). Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436.
– LaFave, W., Israel, J., & King, N. (2017). Essential Criminal Law (2nd ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
Presentation:
Slide 1: Title
Miranda v. Arizona: Upholding Constitutional Rights
Slide 2: Introduction
– Brief overview of the case
– Significance of the Miranda v. Arizona ruling
Slide 3: Case Summary
– Ernesto Miranda’s arrest and confession
– Lack of informing Miranda of his rights
– Use of confession as evidence
Slide 4: Main Parties
– Ernesto Miranda: Defendant
– State of Arizona: Prosecution
Slide 5: Charges
– Kidnapping and rape based on Miranda’s confession
Slide 6: Defense Used
– Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination
– Involuntary confession due to lack of informing Miranda of his rights
Slide 7: The Decision
– Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling in favor of Miranda
– Inadmissibility of the confession as evidence
Slide 8: Functions of Criminal Law
– Protecting individual rights
– Ensuring due process in criminal proceedings
Slide 9: Effects of Criminal Law
– Establishment of “Miranda rights”
– Prevention of coerced confessions and protection of constitutional protections
Slide 10: Law’s Function in the Case
– Safeguarding constitutional rights of the accused
– Upholding the principle of due process
Slide 11: Law’s Effect in the Case
– Setting a precedent for informed interrogations
– Shaping criminal procedure and protecting individual liberties
Slide 12: References
– Supreme Court of the United States. (1966). Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436.
– LaFave, W., Israel, J., & King, N. (2017). Essential Criminal Law (2nd ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
Incorporate visuals, bullet points, and concise text to enhance the presentation’s clarity and effectiveness in delivering key information about the case of Miranda v. Arizona.
