Oregon v. Mathiason

429 U.S. 492 (1977)

Purchase the Printed Copy at bsmsphd.com

Nature of the Case

To access this section all you need to do is click here and register.

Facts

Mathiason (D) was tried for first-degree burglary in which his confession was a critical element of the State's case. D was called into the police headquarters as a suspect in a burglary. The officer and D met in the hall, he was taken into an office with the door closed, told that he was not under arrest, and falsely told that his fingerprints were found at the scene of the crime. D sat for a few minutes and then confessed. D was then advised of his Miranda rights and then made a taped confession. D was not arrested but allowed to leave, and the case was referred to the DA. D was convicted and appealed. The Supreme Court of Oregon reversed; the interrogation took place in a coercive environment.