April 27, 2016

2016 is the 50th anniversary of SCOTUS Miranda v. Arizona ruling

Learn about this iconic court case May 2 with the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records
PHOENIX – In 1966, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the conviction of Ernesto Miranda on kidnapping and rape charges because he was not informed of his rights during his arrest, making his written and signed confession null and void. Learn about this iconic case, Miranda v. Arizona, during Law Day 2016 – “Miranda: More than Words,” May 2, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the Arizona Capitol Museum, Historic Supreme Courtroom, 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix. Admission is free.

Items from the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records and the Phoenix Police Museum will be on display in the courtroom where arguments were heard before the Arizona Supreme Court. The exhibit contains displays from the investigation and local trials, including a copy of Miranda’s signed confession.

The verdict in the Miranda v. Arizona case had a profound effect on law enforcement in the arrest and questioning of defendants; ultimately creating the Miranda Warning recited to suspects by law enforcement officials:

You have 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 cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?

A day-long speaker series in the State Library of Arizona Marguerite B. Cooley Reading Room, one floor above the Historic Supreme Courtroom will include:

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The Miranda Case Arizona Court of Appeals Judge Maurice Portley

1 p.m. – 2 p.m. How the Fifth Amendment Protects All of Us Robert McWhirter, JD

2:30 p.m. –
4 p.m.
The Miranda Case Ret. Capt. Carroll Cooley, Phoenix Police Department arresting officer in the Miranda case

After the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Miranda was retried by the state of Arizona and his confession was not used as evidence. Miranda was convicted and sentenced to 20-30 years in prison.

For more information about Law Day 2016 – “Miranda: More than Words” contact the State Library of Arizona at 602-926-3870.

The Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records is a division of the Secretary of State.