Minnick v. Mississippi: The Supreme Court Reinforces a Suspect\u27s Right to Have Counsel Present during Custodial Interrogation

In 1966, the United States Supreme Court handed down the landmark decision of Miranda v. Arizona, which firmly established the fifth amendment as the basis for ruling on the admissibility of confessions. In Minnick v. Mississippi, the Court considered whether police may reinitiate custodial interrogation after a suspect has consulted an attorney. This Note will summarize the facts and holding of Minnick and examine the legal history of the fifth amendment right to counsel from Miranda to Minnick Once this framework is established, the Note will examine the majority and dissenting opinions. Finally, the Note will critically analyze Minnick by examining the appropriateness of its holding, reviewing the Court\u27s cost/benefit analysis, and discussing its potential impact