Supreme Court of the United States

Ben Chavez v. Oliverio Martinez

May 27, 2003538 U.S. 1

Summary

The Supreme Court reversed the Ninth Circuit, holding that the Fifth Amendment Self-Incrimination Clause is not violated until compelled statements are used in a criminal proceeding. Failure to give Miranda warnings does not independently violate constitutional rights actionable under § 1983. The Court held qualified immunity appropriate and remanded for consideration of substantive due process claims.