June 22, 1964: The Supreme Court establishes the right to an attorney during interrogation

Sunday 22 June 2008

The Supreme Court ruling in Escobedo v. Illinois established that people being interrogated by the police have the right to legal assistance from an attorney. Danny Escobedo was arrested and questioned about the fatal shooting of his brother-in-law. During interrogation, both requests made by his attorney to speak with his client were refused, resulting in Escobedo implicating himself in the crime. During the appeal, the Court reversed the conviction, recognizing a suspect's right to an attorney during police interrogation.