Which situation triggers the requirement for Miranda warnings?

• A. Any questioning by any law enforcement officer.
• B. Noncustodial questioning in the street.
• C. Custodial interrogation.
• D. Only after an arrest is made.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that Miranda warnings apply only when a person is in custody and being interrogated by police. Custody means a reasonable person wouldn’t feel free to leave—like being arrested or held in a station or similar restraints. Interrogation means questions or police actions likely to elicit an incriminating response, or a scenario where the police are seeking to obtain information.

In the described situation, both custody and interrogation are present, so warnings must be given before questioning begins. Noncustodial street questioning isn’t bound by Miranda because the person isn’t in custody. Simply questioning after an arrest isn’t the sole trigger, since the requirement can apply as soon as custody plus interrogation occurs, not only after formal arrest.