The 14th Amendment played a crucial role in the Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona (1966). In this landmark decision, the Court addressed the issue of whether or not a suspect in custody has the right to be informed of their rights before being interrogated by law enforcement.
The amendment ensures due process under the law and protects individuals from being deprived of their rights without fair procedures. The ruling established that the 5th Amendment’s protection against self-incrimination is tied to the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of due process. As a result, the Court concluded that law enforcement must inform suspects of their rights—often referred to as ‘Miranda rights’—including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
In short, the 14th Amendment served as the constitutional foundation for ensuring that individuals are treated fairly within the legal system, especially regarding their rights during custodial interrogations.