If a person is in police custody, how must they be treated during questioning?

When a person is in police custody, they must be read their rights, commonly known as the Miranda rights. This requirement stems from the Miranda v. Arizona Supreme Court case, which established that individuals in custody must be informed of their right to remain silent and their right to legal counsel before being interrogated. The purpose of these rights is to protect the individual's Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and to ensure they can make informed decisions regarding their participation in questioning.

Reading these rights is critical to ensure that any statements made by the individual during questioning are admissible in court. If suspects are not informed of their rights and they make incriminating statements, those statements may be excluded from the trial, impacting the prosecution's case.

In contrast, coercive tactics, leading questions, or denying basic needs such as food and water during interrogation are not permissible practices and can lead to unreliable confessions, legal challenges, and potential violations of constitutional rights. Thus, the importance of informing an individual of their rights while in custody is paramount for a fair and just legal process.