Rhode Island Versus Innis

Question 0

Issue

Answer 0

Whether the police officers interrogated the defendant after he invoked his Miranda rights

Question 1

Facts

Answer 1

Robbery victim identified defendant and photo display. Four hours later police officer spot a defendant. Defendant was arrested advise Maranda rights. Was not in possession of shotgun at time of arrest. Defendant requested to speak with a lawyer. The printer placed in vehicle with three officers. While traveling to police station to the patrolman discuss the possibility that a handicapped child from a nearby school might find loaded shotgun and get hurt. Defendant overheard conversation interrupted told officers turn car around. Was returned to the scene again advised Miranda rights. Advised understood but he wanted to get the gun out of the way because of kids in the area in the school. Let the police to the field pointed out hidden shotgun.

Question 2

Held

Answer 2

No. The police officers actions did not amount to interrogation or the functional equivalent of interrogation of the defendant.

Question 3

Discussion

Answer 3

The procedural safeguards of Miranda apply whenever a person in custody is subjected to either express questioning or it’s functional equivalent. Conversation was entirely between two officers in the vehicle and not directed at the defendant.