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Nix Vs. Williams 1984

Nix Vs. Williams 1984. Daniel Gonzalez. Historical Background.

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Nix Vs. Williams 1984

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  1. Nix Vs. Williams1984 Daniel Gonzalez

  2. Historical Background • Starting in 1914, the Supreme Court began work on the due process law because of instances where it was taken wrongfully. As time went on, new rules were made about due process. The police had to stop taking statements from suspects until they were read their rights. It cam about further in the case of Nix Vs. Williams.

  3. Circumstances of the Case • December 24, 1968- 10-year-old girl went missing in Des Moines, Iowa. Robert Anthony Williams was the suspect after someone reported him for leaving the building, in which the girl disappeared from, with a “big bundle.” Two days later, Williams was taken into custody. The defense attorney, as well as the district attorney, said not to "conduct any interrogation."

  4. The officer who was driving Williams told him that the parents were saddened about this happening so close to Christmas and that they wanted a regular burial for the girl. Williams then told the officer where to find the body. The search party that was taking place was 2 ½ miles off. Williams was then tried and convicted of murder of the 10-year-old girl.

  5. Constitutional Issues • The issues dealt with the 5th Amendment protection of the accused against self-incrimination. Also with the 6th Amendment right to counsel. • Williams was the one who led the officers to the body.

  6. Arguments for Nix (State of Iowa) • They said that the officers did not trick Williams. They also said Williams’ own sorrow led to the confession. • Another statement was that he did not have to tell them where to find the girl because the search party would have found her in an hour or two.

  7. Arguments for Williams • Williams’ attorney said that Williams was questioned without a counsel present. • He also said the confession that Williams gave of the body, was illegally gained.

  8. Decision and Rationale • Williams was denied a legal counsel. • His confession would have been disallowed under the Miranda Rule. • The court created the “inevitable discovery” because the body was not found until after Williams confessed.

  9. Opinion • In my opinion, Williams was treated unfairly. Even though he did commit the crime, he was tricked into telling where the body was since the officer was making him feel guilty in favor of the parents.

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