Does Miranda apply to both testimonial and physical evidence?

Miranda rights, stemming from the Supreme Court's decision in Miranda v. Arizona, are specifically designed to protect an individual’s Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. In this context, the application of Miranda is limited primarily to testimonial evidence, which includes verbal or written statements made by an individual in response to police interrogation.

When a person is in custody and subject to interrogation, any confession or statement they provide cannot be used in court unless they have been informed of their right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. This highlights the focus of Miranda on ensuring that an individual does not involuntarily provide self-incriminating testimony without being made aware of their rights.

Physical evidence, such as objects or substances obtained from a person or a scene, does not fall within the scope of Miranda protections. The gathering of physical evidence is generally governed by Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures rather than by the Miranda ruling. Therefore, while both testimonial and physical evidence can be important in criminal investigations, Miranda specifically applies to situations involving testimonial evidence provided while in custody.