Under what circumstance is an officer obligated to stop questioning a suspect?

Under what circumstance is an officer obligated to stop questioning a suspect?

• A. When the suspect asks for a specific plea deal
• B. When the suspect invokes their right to silence or counsel
• C. When the officer is busy with other commitments
• D. When the suspect is cooperative

Answer: (B)

An officer is obligated to stop questioning a suspect when the suspect invokes their right to silence or requests legal counsel. This is rooted in the legal principles established by the Miranda rights, which inform individuals of their rights when they are taken into custody or subjected to interrogation. When a suspect clearly indicates that they do not wish to talk or specifically requests an attorney, the officer must cease all questioning to respect the suspect's rights. This protection is fundamental to ensuring that the suspect's statements are made voluntarily and not coerced. In contrast, other circumstances such as a request for a plea deal, an officer's busy schedule, or a suspect's cooperative demeanor do not provide a legal basis for an officer to continue interrogation. Respecting the right to counsel and silence is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the legal process and protecting individuals against potential abuses during interrogation.

An officer is obligated to stop questioning a suspect when the suspect invokes their right to silence or requests legal counsel. This is rooted in the legal principles established by the Miranda rights, which inform individuals of their rights when they are taken into custody or subjected to interrogation. When a suspect clearly indicates that they do not wish to talk or specifically requests an attorney, the officer must cease all questioning to respect the suspect's rights. This protection is fundamental to ensuring that the suspect's statements are made voluntarily and not coerced.

In contrast, other circumstances such as a request for a plea deal, an officer's busy schedule, or a suspect's cooperative demeanor do not provide a legal basis for an officer to continue interrogation. Respecting the right to counsel and silence is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the legal process and protecting individuals against potential abuses during interrogation.