The reading of rights after arrest is commonly called what?

• A. Police caution
• B. Arraignment oath
• C. Right to counsel
• D. Miranda warning

Answer: (D)

The key idea is informing someone of their constitutional protections before questioning after an arrest. This process is known as the Miranda warning. It comes from the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Miranda v. Arizona, which requires police to clearly tell a suspect, before any custodial interrogation, about four rights: the right to remain silent, that anything said can be used against them in court, the right to consult with an attorney and have one present during questioning, and that if they cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided. The purpose is to ensure the suspect understands these rights and to secure a voluntary waiver if they choose to talk. If the person asks for an attorney or chooses to remain silent, questioning must stop. The term “police caution” is used in some contexts, but the standard phrase in the U.S. for this rights-reading is the Miranda warning, rather than the other options listed.