What are "Miranda rights"?

Miranda rights are critical protections established by the U.S. Supreme Court, specifically from the ruling in Miranda v. Arizona. These rights inform individuals of their constitutional protections when they are taken into police custody and subjected to interrogation. The key components of these rights include the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel, which help prevent self-incrimination and ensure that individuals can adequately defend themselves.

When individuals are informed of their Miranda rights, they can make an informed choice about whether to speak with law enforcement or have an attorney present. This is vital for safeguarding the legal process and ensuring fairness in the criminal justice system, as failure to provide these warnings can lead to inadmissible evidence in court.

The other choices do not accurately define Miranda rights: they are not limited to trial situations, cannot be revoked merely for not being stated, and are applicable to any individual in custody, not just those accused of felonies. Thus, the correct characterization of these rights centers on the protective measures they offer during custodial interrogations.