North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

During which type of interview are legal rights typically informed to the subject?

1. Field interview

2. Canvass interview

3. Interrogation

4. Informal interview

The correct answer is: Interrogation

During an interrogation, legal rights are typically informed to the subject, often through a process known as "Mirandizing." This involves informing the individual of their rights, which include the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney, before any questioning can take place. This requirement arises from the Miranda v. Arizona case, which established that individuals must be made aware of their rights to protect against self-incrimination. In contrast, during other types of interviews—such as field interviews or canvass interviews—Miranda rights are not mandated because these settings typically involve voluntary interactions where individuals are not in custody. Informal interviews also do not require informing an individual of legal rights, as they are more casual and do not involve the same level of legal implications as an interrogation. Thus, the necessity to inform the subject of their legal rights is a critical aspect of conducting an interrogation, ensuring that any statements made during the process are admissible in court.