What must law enforcement do before questioning a suspect in custody?

Before questioning a suspect in custody, law enforcement must read Miranda warnings. This is a crucial step designed to inform the suspect of their rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. The purpose of these warnings is to protect the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and to ensure that any statements made by the suspect during questioning are admissible in court.

When a suspect is in custody, it implies that they have been deprived of their freedom in a significant way, and any interrogation thereafter must be preceded by these warnings. If the warnings are not provided, any confession or information obtained may be deemed inadmissible in legal proceedings. Thus, the requirement to read Miranda warnings is a fundamental safeguard in the criminal justice system, ensuring that suspects are fully aware of their rights before engaging in questioning.