Montejo v. Louisiana

The Court overturned its earlier decision in Michigan v. Jackson in which it held that if police initiate interrogation of a defendant after he has asserted his right to counsel at an arraignment or similar proceeding, any waiver of his right to counsel is invalid. The purpose of the rule was to prevent the police from badgering a defendant into changing his mind about his Sixth Amendment rights. A defendant who has simply been appointed an attorney and has never asked for counsel, however, has not necessarily made up his mind about his rights. The requirement that police advise a defendant of his Miranda rights prior to custodial interrogation and obtain a valid waiver is sufficient protection against such badgering.