Nonprofit Profile | You Have Rights

Forty-two years ago today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Miranda v. Arizona.

You might be more familiar with the passage the decision mandated be recited to those taken into custody by the police: "You have the right to remain silent. …"

Many people have seen Miranda as coddling criminals, a negative viewpoint that extends to the defense of many civil rights. That’s why the efforts of the American Civil Liberties Union are so important. The venerable nonprofit takes stands that are often deeply unpopular, but its consistency in sticking to its mission of preserving the protections and guarantees contained in the Bill of Rights and the 13th, 14th, and 19th amendments is admirable. ACLU lawyers defend all sorts of odious ruffians whom many of us would rather see just go away. We must remember, though, that someday we could be the ones needing someone to tell the cops or the courts that our activities are protected under the Constitution. Who will speak for us then? | 501(c)