CASE COMMENT

HOWES, WARDEN V. FIELDS

SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES

Summary: The respondent herein, Mr.Randall Fields is an inmate of Michigan prison. During his term, he
was interrogated by police officers regarding allegations of sexual activity with a minor boy. The respondent
even though initially denied the charges later admitted to it. He was thereby convicted. However, during the
trial, he contended that since Miranda warnings were not issued to him before interrogation the statements
cannot be admitted as evidence against him in the court of law.

Miranda Warnings: Miranda warnings otherwise known as Miranda rights are those rights conferred to
any person in case he/ she is interrogated by police officers. They include;

a) Right to remain silent;

b) Anything you say or do may be used against you in a court of law;
c) Right to consult an attorney before or during the questioning;
d) Right to appoint an attorney at public expense if you cannot afford one.

The Miranda rights were developed in the case of Miranda v. Arizona in 1966 in order to protect an
individual who is in custody and is subject to questioning by the law enforcement. It is an added
protection to an individual’s Fifth Amendment right against compelled self incrimination.

Facts: