THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

In 1966, the Supreme Court decided in Miranda v. Arizona that law enforcement officials must give certain warnings, including a suspect's right to remain silent and to have counsel, before criminal suspects are questioned in custody. I am very pleased that today the Supreme Court by a large majority, has affirmed that ruling and upheld the important constitutional rights protected by Miranda. As Chief Justice Rehnquist's opinion notes, the warnings have become part of our national culture; they have worked for law enforcement by providing clear standards for our officers and they have worked to protect the rights of our citizens. I am pleased that today's opinion so resoundingly reinforces the important place of the Miranda warnings in our nation's criminal justice system.

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