We’ve all heard the line “You have the right to remain silent” but most don’t know the fascinating tale of Ernesto “Ernie” Miranda and how his small-town trial led to one of the most iconic Supreme Court cases in American history. Sharon is joined by friend and successful entrepreneur, Jami Nato, to discuss the story behind Miranda v Arizona. Sharon and Jami share their thoughts about why the trial of an undoubtedly guilty man was appealed by the Court and how it reflects the Court's emphasis on upholding constitutional rights. Sharon explains why sometimes the Supreme Court doesn’t necessarily focus on “putting the bad guys away” but instead strives to uphold and reestablish constitutional principles.

This Episode Will Teach You:

• The life of Ernesto Miranda and how his story led to the creation of Miranda Rights
• Why Miranda Rights are important
• How cases are reviewed and processed by the Supreme Court
• Why lawyers defend guilty criminals
• Why the Supreme Court picks certain cases while dismissing others

3 Biggest Takeaways:

• In the 1960s, Ernesto Miranda went on a crime spree that ended in the kidnapping and rape of an Arizonian woman. After being tracked down and interrogated by the police, Ernie signed a written confession, was tried and quickly convicted. However, Ernie’s lawyer realized that he was not treated constitutionally and appealed the conviction, leading to one of the most iconic Supreme Court cases in American history.
• Though Ernie seemed guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, he was never told he had the right to legal counsel before being interrogated by the police. This breach of Ernie’s rights caught the Supreme Court’s attention, shedding light on the absence of a law that upholds the Fifth Amendment right to avoid self-incriminating statements.
• Sharon and Jami discuss why the Supreme Court needed to take this case even though Ernie was undoubtedly guilty of kidnapping and raping a woman. Occasionally, “putting the bad guy away” is sacrificed so that the precedent of upholding constitutional principles lives on.