Define: Escobedo Rule

Escobedo Rule
Escobedo Rule
Quick Summary of Escobedo Rule

The Escobedo rule mandates that when the police arrest an individual and wish to interrogate them, they must inform the person of their right to remain silent and their right to consult with an attorney. Failure to provide this information renders any statements made by the person during questioning inadmissible in court. This rule predates the Miranda rule, which is comparable but additionally guarantees the right to have a lawyer appointed if the person is unable to afford one.

Full Definition Of Escobedo Rule

The Escobedo rule, established in the case of Escobedo v. Illinois in 1964, is a principle in criminal procedure. It states that a statement made by a suspect in police custody cannot be used as evidence in court unless the police inform the suspect of their right to remain silent and provide them with an opportunity to consult with a lawyer. This rule served as a precursor to the Miranda rule, which was established in the case of Miranda v. Arizona in 1966. The Miranda rule requires police to inform a criminal suspect in custody of their constitutional rights before interrogating them. These rights include the right to remain silent, the right to have an attorney present during questioning, and the right to have an attorney appointed if the suspect cannot afford one. If a suspect is not informed of these rights or does not waive them, any evidence obtained during the interrogation cannot be used against them in court, except for impeachment purposes. Therefore, if a suspect is arrested for a crime and taken into police custody, it is crucial for the police to inform them of their right to remain silent and their right to an attorney. Failure to do so would render any statements made by the suspect during questioning inadmissible as evidence in court. For instance, if a suspect is arrested for robbery and taken into custody without being informed of their rights, any statements made by the suspect during the subsequent questioning cannot be used as evidence in court.

Escobedo Rule FAQ'S

The Escobedo Rule is a legal principle established by the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Escobedo v. Illinois (1964). It states that once a suspect has requested an attorney during a custodial interrogation, the police must cease questioning until the suspect’s attorney is present.

The Escobedo Rule applies when a suspect is in custody and has requested the presence of an attorney during a police interrogation.

The purpose of the Escobedo Rule is to protect a suspect’s Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and their Sixth Amendment right to counsel during a critical stage of the criminal proceedings.

No, once a suspect has invoked their right to an attorney under the Escobedo Rule, the police must stop questioning until the attorney is present.

If the police violate the Escobedo Rule by continuing to question a suspect after they have invoked their right to an attorney, any statements or evidence obtained during that questioning may be deemed inadmissible in court.

The Escobedo Rule applies to criminal cases in the United States where a suspect is in custody and has requested the presence of an attorney during a police interrogation.

Yes, a suspect can waive their right to an attorney under the Escobedo Rule, but the waiver must be voluntary, knowing, and intelligent. It is advisable to consult with an attorney before waiving any rights.

The Escobedo Rule generally applies to custodial interrogations after a suspect has been arrested. However, there may be circumstances where the rule could apply to pre-arrest questioning if the suspect is in custody and has requested an attorney.

Yes, evidence obtained before the suspect invoked their right to an attorney under the Escobedo Rule can still be used against them in court, as long as it was obtained legally and not as a result of the subsequent questioning.

There are certain exceptions to the Escobedo Rule, such as when the suspect voluntarily and knowingly initiates further communication with the police after invoking their right to an attorney. In such cases, the police may be allowed to continue questioning without the presence of an attorney.

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This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.

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