60 Second Symposium

By Melissa August, Val Castronovo, Chen Dan, Tam Gray, Ellin Martens, Michele Orecklin, Julie Rawe, Josh Tyrangiel

MIRANDA RULES? Thanks to Hill Street Blues and Homicide, we all know our Miranda rights ("You have the right to remain silent"). Now the Supreme Court plans to review this 1966 ruling. If it's overturned, how would TV cops deal with life after Miranda?

Jim Reed (Kent McCord), Adam-12 I wouldn't change the wording at all, and I've read more suspects their rights than any cop on TV. Watch early Dragnets--it's weird to watch Jack Webb interrogating people. You think, 'Whoa, Jack--you didn't read them their rights!" Miranda protects cops as much as the public.

Detective Lennie Briscoe (Jerry Orbach), Law & Order I would read them their Carmen Miranda rights: "You have the right to wear a big floppy hat piled with fruit. You have the right to wear platform heels. You have the right to say 'Chick-a-BOOM, Chick-a-BOOM' in a court of law..."

Detective Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz), NYPD Blue Gee, I don't have to read them their rights no more? This is what I would say: "You can speak up, or you can shut up--whatever makes you happy. Either way, you're under arrest and you're going to jail."