Which statement correctly distinguishes an interview from an interrogation?

• A. An interview is a casual conversation with a witness
• B. An interview occurs in custody
• C. An interview emphasizes obtaining facts from witnesses
• D. An interrogation is questioning a suspect in custody with rights

Answer: (D)

The main idea is custody and rights. An interrogation is defined by questioning a suspect who is in custody and has been advised of their rights (Miranda warnings). That combination—in custody plus rights—signals a formal, goal-driven attempt to obtain incriminating statements. An interview, on the other hand, is typically a noncustodial information-gathering session, often with witnesses or others not under arrest, and it doesn’t hinge on rights advisements. It can be more conversational and less coercive in nature.

So the statement that best distinguishes the two is the one that describes interrogation as questioning a suspect in custody with rights. The other choices either blur custody, focus on the tone rather than the key distinction, or mischaracterize who is typically involved.