Duckworth v. Egan, 492 U.S. 195 (1989)

Facts

Respondent contacted police to say he discovered body of dead woman but when police responded with respondent, woman asked why respondent stabbed her.  Respondent then claimed he and the woman were attacked and the woman had been abducted.  Respondent went for questioning and signed an Advice of Rights form.  Respondent proceeded to confess to the stabbing.

Procedural History

Respondent moved to suppress the confession, his denial, the knife, and clothing and the trial court denied the motion.  Respondent sought a writ of habeas corpus and the Seventh Circuit reversed, finding that statements in the form were constitutionally defective.

Issue(s)

Did the Seventh Circuit err in finding that the statement “if and when you go to court” was constitutionally defective because it denies an accused indigent a clear warning of the right to counsel before any interrogation?

Holding(s)

Yes.

Reasoning/Analysis

The Court found that we have never insisted Miranda warnings be given in the exact form described in that decision.  The instruction accurately described the procedure for the appointment of counsel and Miranda does not require that attorneys be producible on call.  The initial warnings given to respondent, in their totality, satisfy Miranda.

Judgment/Outcome

The Court reversed the judgment of the Court of Appeals.