What is the primary purpose of Miranda warnings?

The primary purpose of Miranda warnings is to inform individuals of their rights against self-incrimination. This legal requirement, established by the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Miranda v. Arizona, ensures that individuals who are in custody and subject to interrogation are made aware of their rights, specifically the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.

By providing these warnings, law enforcement upholds the Fifth Amendment rights of individuals, allowing them to make an informed decision about whether to speak or remain silent during questioning. This protects individuals from being coerced into making self-incriminating statements without understanding the consequences.

The focus of Miranda warnings is not on facilitating confessions, speeding up police processes, or fostering cooperation; rather, it is primarily about safeguarding the constitutional rights of individuals during critical interactions with law enforcement.