What is the primary purpose of the Miranda warnings?

The primary purpose of the Miranda warnings is to inform the suspect of their rights. This legal requirement stems from the landmark Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona, which establishes that individuals who are taken into police custody and subjected to interrogation must be made aware of their rights, particularly the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. The aim is to protect the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and to ensure that any statements made by the suspect are given voluntarily and with an understanding of their legal rights. By properly delivering the Miranda warnings, law enforcement officials help to ensure that suspects are aware that they do not have to answer questions that may incriminate them, thus upholding the principles of justice and due process.

The other options, while related to interactions with suspects, do not encompass the primary legal reason behind the requirement for the Miranda warnings. For example, detailing potential penalties serves a different function related to informing about consequences rather than rights. Establishing rapport can be a useful technique in law enforcement but does not relate directly to the legal requirements of informing suspects of their rights. Finally, ensuring a confession is not the intent of the Miranda warnings; rather, they aim to protect the suspect’s rights regardless of whether a confession is made.