This engaging and critical lesson unpacks the constitutional origins, legal battles, and evolving interpretations of the Miranda warning—a cornerstone of American criminal justice. Students will explore how the Supreme Court’s 1966 ruling in Miranda v. Arizona reshaped police procedures, raised vital questions about due process, and became a powerful symbol of civil liberties. The presentation challenges students to consider how rights are protected (or undermined) in practice, and how race, class, and power shape the justice system.

Students will explore:

• Fifth and Sixth Amendment protections and early legal precedents
• The arrest and trial of Ernesto Miranda
• The 1966 Miranda v. Arizona decision and the creation of the Miranda warning
• Implementation challenges and public backlash
• Later Supreme Court rulings that narrowed or clarified Miranda’s scope
• The Dickerson decision and reaffirmation of Miranda as constitutional doctrine
• Legal exceptions, such as the public safety exception and traffic stop rulings
• Racial and socioeconomic disparities in Miranda waiver patterns
• Comprehension challenges for juveniles and non-native English speakers
• Contemporary reforms and digital age dilemmas