Howes v. Fields
| Docket No. | Op. Below | Argument | Opinion | Vote | Author | Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-680 | 6th Cir. |
Oct 4, 2011 Tr.Aud. |
Feb 21, 2012 | 6-3 | Alito | OT 2011 |
Holding: The Sixth Circuit’s categorical rule – that an interrogation is per se custodial, for purposes of Miranda v. Arizona, when a prisoner is questioned in private about events occurring outside the prison – is not clearly established by Supreme Court precedent. And by a vote of six to three, the Court held that the Sixth Circuit’s rule is also wrong.
Judgment: Reversed, 6-3, in an opinion by Justice Alito on February 21, 2012. Justice Ginsburg filed an opinion concurring in part and dissenting in part, which Justices Breyer and Sotomayor joined.
SCOTUSblog Coverage
- Opinion analysis: Court reverses habeas grant and limits application of Miranda
- Argument recap: Court grapples with applicability of Miranda in questioning a prisoner.
- Argument preview: When are Miranda warnings required to question a prisoner?
- Petition of the day