A LOOK AT MIRANDA

The Maryland Court of Appeals www.courts.state.md.us/coappeals/index.html recently took a look at what is an interrogation for purposes of a suspects right to a Miranda warning. The law in this area states that if a person is being held for an interrogation he must be read his Miranda rights.

In Prioleau vs. State, CA No. 40 Sept. Term 2008, the Court held that a police officer did not violate a suspect's Miranda rights by asking him "what's up". Specifically, the Court held that it was not reasonable to expect the words "what's up" to elicit an incriminating response. As a result, it was not necessary to read the defendant his Miranda rights.