The Miranda ruling requires police to warn suspects that they have the right to remain silent when questioned by police; that any statements they make to police can be used during their trial; that they have the right to have an attorney present during questioning; and that if they cannot afford a lawyer, one will be provided for them. Miranda has become such a part of the American criminal justice system that many were surprised when the U.S. Supreme Court decided to review the decision in 2000. At issue was a law, known as Section 3501, that Congress had passed in 1968 in an attempt to nullify the court’s 1966 decision in Miranda v. Arizona. The law provides that the Miranda warning is not necessary if it can be shown that a suspect’s confession was...