Berghuis v. Thompkins
Holding
The police are required to stop questioning a suspect once he invokes his Miranda right to remain silent. In this case, the Court held that a suspect did not invoke his right to remain silent by simply not answering questions. Instead, a suspect must unambiguously invoke his right to remain silent before the police are required to end their questioning.
Judgment
Reversed and remanded, 5-4, in an opinion by Anthony McLeod Kennedy on Jun 1, 2010. Justice Sotomayor filed a dissenting opinion, joined by Justices Stevens, Ginsburg, and Breyer.
Merits Briefs
- Brief for Petitioner Mary Berghuis
- Brief for Respondent Van Chester Thompkins
- Reply Brief for Petitioner Mary Berghuis
Amicus Briefs
- Brief for Wayne County, Michigan in Support of Petitioner
- Brief for Criminal Justice Legal Foundation in Support of Petitioner
- Brief for United States of America in Support of Petitioner
- Brief for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Support of Respondent
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Recommended Citation: Berghuis v. Thompkins, SCOTUSblog, https://www.scotusblog.com/cases/berghuis-v-thompkins/