Who must receive Miranda warnings?

The requirement for Miranda warnings applies specifically to individuals who are in custody and subject to interrogation by law enforcement. This means that when a suspect is deprived of their freedom in a significant way—such as being formally arrested or subjected to situations that are tantamount to arrest—law enforcement officers must inform them of their rights before conducting any questioning.

The rationale behind this requirement is to protect the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. When individuals are in custody, they may feel pressured and unable to freely exercise their right to remain silent or to have an attorney present during questioning. Therefore, the law mandates that they receive clear and comprehensive warnings regarding these rights.

In contrast, not all individuals who may be involved in a case, such as witnesses or those charged with less serious offenses, require these warnings. Miranda warnings are strictly about the circumstances of custody and interrogation, hence the particular emphasis on suspects in custodial settings.