What does the Miranda equation require before rights are invoked?

The Miranda equation is rooted in the Miranda v. Arizona case, which established the necessity of informing individuals of their rights when they are in custody and subjected to interrogation. The requirement is that an individual must be in a custodial situation—a scenario where they are not free to leave—and are being interrogated by law enforcement.

The custody aspect ensures that the individual is aware that they are in a situation where they are not free to exit, which can significantly influence their ability to waive their rights. The interrogation component is essential because the rights outlined in the Miranda warning (such as the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney) are specifically designed to protect individuals during questioning by law enforcement.

Therefore, both custody and interrogation must be present for the rights to be invoked effectively, as it is during interrogation that the risk of coercion or misunderstanding may arise, necessitating these protections.