Who does the Miranda warning apply to?

The Miranda warning is specifically designed to apply to individuals who are in custody and subject to interrogation. This is rooted in the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Miranda v. Arizona, which protects a person's Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. When a person is considered to be in custody, they are not free to leave, and if there is an intention to ask questions that could lead to self-incrimination, the law mandates that the individual must be informed of their rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.

This requirement ensures that the person understands the implications of speaking with law enforcement while in a vulnerable position, thus allowing them to make informed choices about whether to participate in the questioning or refrain from speaking. It is important to note that while the other groups mentioned might be involved with law enforcement or criminal proceedings in various ways, they do not trigger the necessity for a Miranda warning under the legal standards established.