Thursday, November 7 at 11:00 a.m. in the Museum’s Cultural Crossroads Learning Center, hear our very own Dr. Eduardo Pagán give a brief talk about the backstory of the statement, “You have the right to remain silent”. Learn about the history of the Supreme Court decision that has roots in Arizona. The lecture is included with paid Museum admission. Free for kids 17 and under with an adult; free for Members. Visit westernmuseum.org for details or call 928.684.2272.

Ernesto Miranda is central to one of the most significant U.S. Supreme Court cases regarding rights in the justice system. In 1963, Miranda, a 23-year-old with limited education, was arrested in Phoenix, Arizona, for allegedly committing violent crimes. He was interrogated by police for hours without being informed of his right to remain silent or have an attorney present. Eventually, he confessed, and his confession was used to convict him. However, Miranda’s lawyer argued that his confession was invalid, as he was unaware of his legal rights during the interrogation.

The case reached the Supreme Court in 1966 as *Miranda v. Arizona*. The Court ruled in a landmark 5-4 decision that suspects must be informed of their rights before police questioning—a decision that led to the creation of what we now call “Miranda Rights.” These include the right to remain silent, the warning that anything said can be used in court, and the right to an attorney. This ruling changed law enforcement practices across the U.S., ensuring that individuals understand their rights during arrest and interrogation. Although Miranda was retried and convicted (without his confession as evidence), his case forever shaped the legal landscape, emphasizing the right to be informed and protecting suspects from self-incrimination.