What is the significance of "Miranda rights"?

The significance of "Miranda rights" lies in their role as a safeguard for suspects during criminal interrogations. When law enforcement authorities take a person into custody and plan to question them regarding a crime, they are required to inform them of their Miranda rights. This includes the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. The purpose of these rights is to protect against self-incrimination and ensure that any statements made by the suspect during interrogation are voluntary and informed.

If these rights are not communicated, any confession or statement obtained may be deemed inadmissible in court, thereby upholding the legal standard of due process. This landmark ruling stemmed from the U.S. Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona, which emphasized the importance of protecting the constitutional rights of individuals in police custody.