We have all heard the suspect in cop movies being told that "any thing you say will be used against you in court". This information that the police tell suspects comes from the landmark case of Miranda. These warnings are referred to as "Miranda warnings" and include the right to an attorney as well as your constitutional protections under the 5th amendment.
Nearly all of us have heard of Miranda but have you heard of Salinas v. Texas?? Salinas is a very recent case heard in the United States Supreme Court and vastly undermines your right against self incrimination. The focus point of the Salinas case is - If you choose to not talk to the police, can your silence be used against you?
In short, Salinas was asked by the police to come down to the police station to answer some questions about a murder. Salinas goes down to the station and answers a few non accusatory questions. Then when the cops ask Salinas if his gun would match the gun in the murder. Salinas didn't answer, just hung his head and did not answer any further accusatory questions.
The case ultimately goes to trial and the prosectors and cops focus on Salinas silence when asked the accusatory questions. The prosecutor tells the jury that innocent people don't act like that. Salinas's defense objects adamantly to Salinas silence being admitted into the trial. The evidence was admitted into the trial and Salias was ultimately found guilty.
The United States Supreme Court found that since Salinas didn't expressly inform the cops of his invoking his 5th amendment rights then the silence was admissible. What does this mean for the lay citizen? A person being questioned by the police must invoke their constitutional rights if they are not going to answer any questions. This means that saying "i don't want to talk to you (police)" may not be enough. You should affirmatively state that you are invoking your constitutional rights.
Remember though, that Salinas voluntarily went to the police station for questioning. The case would probably have been much different if Salinas was already under arrest and then remained silence. There could be a multitude of situations where Salinas's silence would have been inadmissible.
Why do I feel that this case is such an injustice? I see the silence as possibly hiding the guilty of a crime. However, there is also other possibilities that silence could represent. Salinas could not have understood the question or he could have simply been remaining silent to cover for the true killer whom he knows. Neither of which makes Salinas guilty of murder. I have put together a form to give to police to assert constitutional rights. If you would like a copy of my form feel free to email me and I will get that to you.
Questions and Comments are encouraged...
