What is the purpose of the "Miranda warnings"?

The primary purpose of the "Miranda warnings" is to inform suspects of their right to remain silent and their right to have an attorney present during questioning. This legal requirement stems from the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Miranda v. Arizona, which established that individuals taken into custody must be made aware of these rights to ensure they do not inadvertently incriminate themselves during police interrogations.

The essence of the Miranda warnings is to protect the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and to ensure that any statements made by the suspect are made voluntarily and with an understanding of their legal rights. By communicating these rights, law enforcement helps to safeguard the due process rights of individuals in custody.

Understanding this framework is crucial for recognizing the balance between law enforcement's duty to investigate and an individual's constitutional protections. The other choices focus on different legal processes or rights, but they do not capture the specific intent and legal foundation behind the Miranda warnings.