Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Practice Exam

What right was affirmed by Escobedo v. Illinois (1964)?

1. Suspects have the right to remain silent.

2. Suspects have the right to counsel during police interrogations.

3. Suspects are not entitled to a public trial.

4. Suspects have the right to refuse a search.

The correct answer is: Suspects have the right to counsel during police interrogations.

The case of Escobedo v. Illinois (1964) is significant because it established that suspects have the right to counsel during police interrogations. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that an individual who is subjected to police interrogation has the constitutional right to have an attorney present. This decision is rooted in the Sixth Amendment, which guarantees the right to counsel. In this case, the Court recognized that the right to counsel is a crucial element in ensuring a fair trial and protecting the accused from self-incrimination. The ruling emphasized that police interrogation can be a highly coercive environment, and having legal representation helps safeguard an individual's rights. This precedent has had a lasting impact on the rights of suspects in the United States, reinforcing the notion that legal counsel is not just a privilege but a fundamental right when facing potential criminal charges. While other options also address important aspects of suspects' rights, they do not specifically relate to the core ruling in Escobedo v. Illinois, which focused on the right to an attorney during interrogation.