Final answer:
Law enforcement officials must confirm that a suspect understands their Miranda Warnings and voluntarily waives their rights before answering questions without an attorney, to protect against self-incrimination and ensure due process.
Step-by-step explanation:
Miranda Warnings and Voluntary Waiver
When advising a person of their right to Miranda Warnings, to show that the waiver was voluntary, law enforcement must ask if the individual understands their rights as they have been read and if they are willing to answer questions without an attorney present. It is crucial to ensure that suspects are adequately and effectively apprised of their rights and that any waiver of these rights is done voluntarily and knowingly. Despite the safeguards, many individuals waive their rights, which can lead to confessions that may significantly impact their legal proceedings.
For example, the Miranda Warning states:
'You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you. Do you understand these rights as they have been read to you?'
This warning, established by the landmark Miranda v. Arizona case, aims to protect individuals from self-incrimination and to balance the individual's rights with the rights of victims and the interests of society.