Smith is sleeping when the police knock on his door to question him regarding a kidnapping and rape. The police take him to the station because he doesn’t want to talk in front of his wife. He is put in a lineup but the victim is unable to identify him. In the interrogation room, Smith asked how he did, and the Detective replies, “You flunked.” After two hours of questioning, he signed a written confession admitting guilt. At his subsequent trial the only prosecution exhibit was the signed confession. The jury quickly returned guilty verdicts for kidnapping and rape.
-If Smith appealed his conviction, what Supreme Court case would most likely apply?

Question

Smith is sleeping when the police knock on his door to question him regarding a kidnapping and rape. The police take him to the station because he doesn’t want to talk in front of his wife. He is put in a lineup but the victim is unable to identify him. In the interrogation room, Smith asked how he did, and the Detective replies, “You flunked.” After two hours of questioning, he signed a written confession admitting guilt. At his subsequent trial the only prosecution exhibit was the signed confession. The jury quickly returned guilty verdicts for kidnapping and rape. 
-If Smith appealed his conviction, what Supreme Court case would most likely apply?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Miranda v. Arizona (1966) is the most applicable Supreme Court case because it established the requirement for police to inform a suspect of their rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney, before questioning. Smith's situation suggests that he may not have been properly informed of these rights before making his confession.

Smith Is Sleeping When the Police Knock on His Door