EthosYou'd think that Supreme Court Justices don't have to use rhetoric in writing their decision. After all, they're not writing to persuade anyone; the decision's already signed, sealed, and deli...

Court CaseCourt cases aren't like speeches or novels—they're not exactly scintillating reading. They aren't written to be delivered to an audience and they don't make good beach reading. (Shmoop...

Unlike speeches and books, court cases don't have much wiggle room when it comes to titles. The title of a case is set by the judicial system, and it's always a "versus" title. As in, someone versu...

No offense to Mr. Earl Warren, but the first sentence of Miranda v. Arizona doesn't exactly grab you. But, uh, it doesn't have to—we're not dealing with a speech or novel whose first lines need t...

"Should there be a retrial, I would leave the State free to attempt to prove these elements." Now that's how you write a dramatic ending. Shmoop can't stand the suspense. Court cases usually don't...

(7) Snow LineCourt cases need to be thorough and specific, and they need to reference past cases and scientific research. Sounds like a barrel of laughs, right?Well, Miranda v. Arizona does all of...

In-Text ReferencesHistorical and Political ReferencesFifth Amendment to the Constitution (throughout)Sixth Amendment to the Constitution (throughout)Escobedo v. Illinois (throughout)Cohens v. Virgi...

After being paroled, Ernesto Miranda made some quick cash autographing Miranda Warning cards and selling them for a cool $1.50 each. (Source)Over half of the arrests in the popular TV show Dragnet...