Case library · You Have the Right
Three Hours of Silence
Berghuis v. Thompkins (2010)
Charge: First-degree murder, assault with intent to murder, and gun offencesCourt: U.S. Supreme CourtState: MichiganDocket: You Have the Right
The facts
Two men were shot outside a shopping mall, and one died. A suspect was arrested a year later. Police read him his rights. He never said he wanted to stay silent, and never said he would talk. For nearly three hours he barely spoke. Then an officer asked if he prayed to God to forgive him for shooting that boy. He said yes. The accused says his long silence showed he did not want to talk.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: Berghuis v. Thompkins, 560 U.S. 370 (2010)
Read more at tile.loc.gov. The source reveals the outcome.