What ruling did Maryland v Shatzer make regarding Miranda custody interrogation?

The ruling in Maryland v. Shatzer established that police officers are permitted to re-open questioning after a two-week break if the suspect has been released from custody during that time. The key aspect of this ruling is the interpretation of what constitutes "custody" and the mechanics of how Miranda rights apply in the context of continuous and interrupted interrogations.

In this case, the Court emphasized the importance of a significant amount of time without interrogation to ensure that the suspect's rights are protected and that they have an opportunity to re-evaluate their willingness to engage with law enforcement. The two-week period indicates that enough time has elapsed to suggest that the individual may have had the chance to re-consider their options since the previous questioning and could freely choose to cooperate or decline to answer questions again.

This distinction is essential for law enforcement officers to understand as it provides a framework for when they can resume questioning without infringing on the suspect's Miranda rights. By adhering to the two-week guideline, law enforcement ensures that any subsequent interrogation is legally sound and respects the suspect's rights under the Fifth Amendment.