Persuasive Essay On Miranda Rights

Words: 1831
Pages: 8

Throughout American history the concepts established by the Constitution have been thought to represent the people’s interests. Americans have looked to the Constitution to deliver on the specific promises established within its Preamble, specifically, the promises to “secure the blessings of liberty” and “promote the general welfare” (U.S. Constitution, Preamble). While many Americans assume that the United States government is avidly working to deliver on these promises, it is clear that some aspects of the government – established by the Constitution – have restricted the extent to which our leaders are securing the interests of all people. Ultimately, due to both the nature of individuals within the Judiciary branch as well as the institutional …show more content…
Arizona the Supreme Court took a position that appeared to “secure the blessings of liberty” of all people, however, the implications of the decision had a much different effect. Chief Justice Earl Warren and the Supreme Court established Miranda Rights in order to provide “protection which must be given to the privilege against self-incrimination when the individual is first subjected to police interrogation while in custody” (Miranda, 6). While it might seem like the rights established by Miranda were a good thing for all people, as discussed in class, the Miranda rule may have done more harm to American’s “blessings of liberty” than good. Even after the Miranda rule was implemented the rates of criminal confessions did not decrease. At the end of the day, this was due to the fact that suspects were still being coerced to confess – regardless of their innocence – as police stations present an intimidating atmosphere for individuals. As a result, police officers became immunized from coerced confession charges as long as they read the Miranda rights to suspects, thus further insulating a governmentally funded institution. Ultimately, due to the Supreme Court’s decision, the government is able to avoid extensive lawsuits – which could be detrimental to the public’s perception of government – while still appeasing the general public by putting “criminals” behind bars. As one can see, with the aid of the Supreme Court, the United States government can appear to promote the general welfare while still advancing an elite political