Michigan v. Mosley, 423 U.S. 96 (1975)

Facts

Mosley was arrested in connection with a robbery at a bar.  Mosley was read his Miranda rights, said he did not want to answer any questions.  The interrogation stopped and Mosley was taken to a cell, where later another officer took Mosley for questioning in a murder.  Mosley was re-advised of his Miranda rights.

Procedural History

Mosley was charged in the murder and moved to suppress his incriminating statements.  The trial court denied the motion.  The appellate court reversed, finding that the second interrogation was a per se violation of Miranda.

Issue(s)

Did the appellate court err in finding that the conduct of the police was a per se violation of Miranda, rendering the statements inadmissible?

Holding(s)

Yes.

Reasoning/Analysis

The Court found that no passage in the Miranda opinion can sensibly be read to create a per se proscription of indefinite duration upon any further questioning by any police officer on any subject.  The admissibility of statements obtained after the person in custody has decided to remain silent depends under Miranda on whether his “right to cut off questioning” was “scrupulously honored.”  The subsequent questioning in this case did not undercut Mosley’s previous decision not to answer the previous inquiries.

Judgment/Outcome

The Court vacated the judgment of the Court of Appeals.