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Howes v. Fields

Docket No.10-680
Op. Below6th Cir.
ArgumentOct 4, 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 Samuel Alito on Feb 21, 2012. Justice Ginsburg filed an opinion concurring in part and dissenting in part, which Justices Breyer and Sotomayor joined.

Merits Briefs for the Petitioner

Amicus Briefs in Support of the Petitioner

Merits Briefs for the Respondent

Amicus Briefs in Support of the Respondent

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