Utah Special Function Officer (SFO) Practice Exam

What landmark case established the requirement for warnings about rights upon arrest?

1. Gideon v. Wainwright

2. Miranda v. Arizona

3. Roe v. Wade

4. Brown v. Board of Education

The correct answer is: Miranda v. Arizona

The landmark case that established the requirement for warnings about rights upon arrest is Miranda v. Arizona. This case addressed the issue of whether statements made by a person in police custody could be admissible in court. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that individuals taken into custody must be informed of their rights to remain silent and to have legal counsel present during interrogations. This decision was rooted in the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, emphasizing the necessity of protecting individuals from coercive interrogation tactics. As a result of this ruling, the "Miranda warning" became a critical part of police procedure across the United States, ensuring that individuals are aware of their rights at the time of arrest. In contrast, Gideon v. Wainwright focused on the right to legal counsel for defendants who cannot afford an attorney, Roe v. Wade addressed the issue of women's rights to privacy regarding abortion, and Brown v. Board of Education dealt with racial segregation in public schools. Each of these cases is significant in its own right but does not relate to the requirement for informing individuals of their rights upon arrest.