The Miranda rule requires that suspects be informed of their rights when?

• A. A rule about the right to counsel during lineups.
• B. A rule about double jeopardy.
• C. A rule allowing evidence obtained without informing rights if voluntary.
• D. A requirement that suspects be informed of rights before custodial interrogation.

Answer: (D)

The important idea is: warnings must be given when a person is in custody and being questioned. The Miranda rule exists to protect the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and the right to counsel. So, police are required to inform a suspect of their rights before they conduct an interrogation while the suspect is in custody, and any statement obtained without giving those warnings during custodial questioning is generally not admissible in court unless the suspect validly waives those rights.

This focus on custodial interrogation explains why the other scenarios don’t fit. The Miranda warnings are not triggered by lineup procedures, nor do they relate to the double-jeopardy protection. And while voluntary statements are a separate concern in other contexts, the rule specifically centers on providing warnings prior to custodial interrogation to ensure any waivers are knowing and voluntary.