What is custodial interrogation?

Custodial interrogation refers specifically to the questioning of a suspect who has been taken into custody. This context is crucial because it establishes that the individual is not free to leave and is under significant pressure from law enforcement. The legal implications surrounding custodial interrogation are important as well, particularly regarding a suspect's rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney, as established by the Miranda warnings.

In the context of law enforcement, the focus is on the circumstances that lead to the interrogation, where the suspect is detained, thus necessitating certain procedural protections to ensure that any statements made are admissible in court. This is central to understanding the dynamics of how law enforcement operates and the protections in place for individuals under arrest.