What is the purpose of the Miranda warning?

The purpose of the Miranda warning is to ensure that individuals in police custody are informed of their rights prior to interrogation. This warning is derived from the landmark Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona, which established that suspects must be made aware of their right to remain silent and their right to an attorney. This requirement aims to protect against self-incrimination and to ensure that any statements made during interrogation are voluntary and informed.

By informing individuals of these rights, law enforcement ensures that suspects understand the consequences of speaking to police without an attorney present. This is crucial in preserving the fairness of the criminal justice process and upholding the Constitution's protections against involuntary confessions and self-incrimination.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the primary function of the Miranda warning. Providing instructions for filing a complaint or summarizing charges does not pertain to the rights of the individual during interrogation. Offering legal counsel during an investigation is a separate legal right but does not encapsulate the specific intent of the Miranda warning itself, which is focused on informing individuals of their rights prior to questioning.