Under what circumstance should Miranda rights be given to a suspect?

Miranda rights should be given when a suspect is subjected to custodial interrogation, meaning that they are in a situation where they are not free to leave and are being questioned by law enforcement about a crime. The key factor here is the suspect's perception of their freedom to leave. If the suspect believes that they cannot leave, it indicates a restriction of their freedom, which typically establishes a custody situation.

In this context, the necessity of informing a suspect of their rights ensures that any statements made during interrogation cannot be used against them in court if they were not made voluntarily and with an understanding of their rights. This practice upholds the Fifth Amendment protection against self-incrimination and is a crucial component of ensuring a fair legal process.

Other scenarios outlined, such as questioning in a public area or only after physical force is used, do not constitute the same requirement for rights to be administered. The severity of the crime alone is also insufficient to determine whether Miranda rights must be given, as the circumstances surrounding the interrogation and the suspect's situation take precedence.