Which statement best describes interrogation under Miranda?

Which statement best describes interrogation under Miranda?

• A. Interrogation includes express questioning or its functional equivalent.
• B. All explicit questioning constitutes interrogation.
• C. Interrogation only includes questions about the alleged crime.
• D. Interrogation occurs only when the suspect is in handcuffs.

Answer: (A)

Interrogation under Miranda covers more than just direct questions. It includes express questioning and the functional equivalent of questioning—police actions that are reasonably likely to elicit an incriminating response from a suspect in custody. This broader view is what triggers the Miranda warnings, because the goal is to protect the suspect’s right against self-incrimination during police-initiated questioning. That makes the statement the best answer because it accurately encompasses both explicit questioning and those police actions that function like questioning. The other options are narrower or incorrect: interrogation isn’t limited to questions about the alleged crime, it isn’t tied to handcuffs, and while explicit questioning is included, it’s not the only form of interrogation.

Interrogation under Miranda covers more than just direct questions. It includes express questioning and the functional equivalent of questioning—police actions that are reasonably likely to elicit an incriminating response from a suspect in custody. This broader view is what triggers the Miranda warnings, because the goal is to protect the suspect’s right against self-incrimination during police-initiated questioning.

That makes the statement the best answer because it accurately encompasses both explicit questioning and those police actions that function like questioning. The other options are narrower or incorrect: interrogation isn’t limited to questions about the alleged crime, it isn’t tied to handcuffs, and while explicit questioning is included, it’s not the only form of interrogation.