Edwards v. Arizona
A plain-English summary from Criminal Defense Resources™, a free resource for pro per/pro se defendants and their families.
General educational information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. This page describes what a court decided in general terms. It does not tell you what to do in any case.
- Court
- U.S. Supreme Court
- Decided
- Citation
- 451 U.S. 477 (1981)
What did the court decide?
The Court held that once a person in custody asks for a lawyer, police must stop questioning until a lawyer is present, unless the person himself starts further conversation with police.
Why does it matter?
Another Arizona case. It explains why a clear request for a lawyer matters during custodial questioning.
Where can I read the full opinion?
Read the full opinion on Cornell Law School LII →
Always read the full opinion and check whether later cases have limited or changed it. A summary can leave out important details.
Related rulings
General educational information, not legal advice. Not a law firm.