Howes v. Fields

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.

Briefs and Documents

Merits Briefs for the Petitioner

• Brief for petitioner Carol Howes
• Reply brief for petitioner Carol Howes

Amicus Briefs in Support of the Petitioner

• Brief for the United States
• Brief for Ohio et al.

Merits Briefs for the Respondent

• Brief for respondent Randall Fields

Amicus Briefs in Support of the Respondent

• Brief of Donovan E. Simpson

Certiorari-stage documents

• Opinion below (6th Cir.)
• Petition for Certiorari
• Brief in opposition
• Petitioner's reply brief