Has Miranda Been Neutered?
We all know about the Fifth Amendment and the protection against self-incrimination. If a person does not wish to speak to a government official, they can “plead the fifth” and then remain silent. There are countless examples of people who unwittingly give cops and prosecutors the rope they eventually use to hang them at trial. It is almost always best to say nothing to government agents. Anything you say or do really WILL be used against you by cops. They are not “cool” or “just making conversation.” They are cleverly manipulating you into digging your own grave. Shut up and say nothing except “I invoke my Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights to remain silent and be provided with a lawyer.” This is literally the advice that cops, lawyers, and judges give to their own children about interacting with police.
