Constitution Day 2025: Looking Ahead to 60 Years of Miranda v. Arizona
This September, HH Law Firm founder Hani Habbas participated in the Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County’s annual Constitution Day presentations, joining dozens of attorneys in teaching constitutional rights to middle school students across Orange County, California.
The focus this year: looking ahead to the upcoming 60th anniversary of Miranda v. Arizona in 2026 and what the Fifth Amendment really means for everyday Americans.
The Impact: 1,700+ Students Across Seven Schools
Over the course of Constitution Day week, participating attorneys reached more than 1,700 eighth-grade students across seven schools in Orange County. The presentations covered:
- What it means to be “in custody” under the law
- The purpose and history of Miranda warnings
- Why Fifth Amendment protections matter in real-world situations
- The landmark Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona
Hani Habbas on the Goal of Legal Education
Reflecting on the experience, Hani Habbas shared:
“My goal wasn’t to turn students into lawyers. It was to get them thinking critically about justice, fairness, and their rights. These concepts are not abstract—they shape real lives every day.”
The Constitution Day program demonstrates HH Law Firm’s commitment to community education and making legal knowledge accessible to all, regardless of age or background.
Beyond the classroom presentations, Habbas has also been advising students about staying safe in their communities. With reports of ICE agents attempting to engage students in conversation near campus—using tactics like complimenting their appearance or belongings to initiate dialogue—Habbas emphasized the importance of knowing your rights: students should not speak to strangers attempting to gather information, and if detained by law enforcement, they should clearly state, “I want to speak to a lawyer.”
What Are Miranda Rights?
Miranda rights (also called Miranda warnings) are constitutional protections that police must communicate before conducting custodial interrogations. The standard warning includes:
- You have the right to remain silent
- Anything you say can and will be used against you in court
- You have the right to an attorney
- If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you
These warnings stem from the Fifth Amendment (protection against self-incrimination) and Sixth Amendment (right to counsel).
The History: Miranda v. Arizona (1966)
In 1966, the U.S. Supreme Court decided Miranda v. Arizona, establishing that law enforcement must inform suspects of their constitutional rights before custodial interrogation. The case arose when Ernesto Miranda confessed to crimes without being informed of his right to remain silent or have an attorney present.
The Supreme Court ruled that without these warnings, statements obtained during custodial interrogation cannot be used as evidence in criminal trials.
2026 marks the 60th anniversary of this landmark decision, making Constitution Day 2025’s focus particularly relevant for students learning about their constitutional protections.
Why Teach Miranda Rights to Middle School Students?
Understanding constitutional rights shouldn’t wait until someone faces the criminal justice system. Early education helps young people:
- Recognize when their rights apply
- Make informed decisions during police encounters
- Develop a healthy understanding of the legal system
- See themselves as protected by the Constitution
The Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County provides these presentations annually, connecting legal professionals with students throughout the county.
HH Law Firm’s Community Commitment
HH Law Firm’s participation in Constitution Day reflects the firm’s broader mission: making legal knowledge and representation accessible to underserved communities.
The firm serves clients throughout California and Washington, D.C. in:
- Personal injury cases (car accidents, slip and falls, catastrophic injuries)
- Civil rights and constitutional violations
- Wrongful death claims
HH Law Firm offers services in English, Arabic, and Spanish to ensure language is never a barrier to justice.
Legal Education as Public Service
Attorneys have specialized knowledge that most community members don’t access until they face a legal crisis. Programs like Constitution Day bridge that gap by:
- Bringing legal professionals into schools
- Demystifying the justice system
- Empowering students with knowledge of their rights
- Creating connections between the legal community and the public
When eighth-graders understand their Miranda rights, they’re better equipped to navigate future interactions with law enforcement—whether as witnesses, victims, or in any other capacity.
Questions Students Asked
The Constitution Day presentations weren’t lectures—they were conversations. Students asked thoughtful questions that demonstrated genuine engagement with constitutional concepts:
- “What happens if police don’t read me my rights?”
- “Can you be forced to talk to police?”
- “Does staying silent make you look guilty?”
- “What does ‘in custody’ actually mean?”
These questions show exactly why early legal education matters. Students are curious about how the law applies to their lives, and they deserve accurate, accessible answers.
About the Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County
The Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating young people about the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and civic participation. Their Constitution Day program brings practicing attorneys into Orange County schools each September to teach students about constitutional law.
For more information about their programs, visit their website or contact them about bringing constitutional education to your school.
How HH Law Firm Serves California and Washington D.C.
HH Law Firm is a professional law corporation with offices in Irvine, California, serving clients throughout California and Washington, D.C.
The firm specializes in:
- Motor vehicle accidents (car, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian)
- Personal injury (slip and fall, dog bites, catastrophic injuries)
- Wrongful death claims
- Civil rights violations
- Constitutional rights cases
HH Law Firm operates on a contingency fee basis—no fees unless the firm wins your case. The firm also meets clients in hospitals and homes when travel to the office is difficult.
Contact HH Law Firm:
- Phone: 1-833-359-6116
- Website: www.hhlawfirm.law
- Languages: English, Arabic, Spanish (عربي بنحكي إحنا | Se Habla Español)
- Locations: Serving all of California and Washington, D.C.
The Importance of Constitutional Education
Constitution Day 2025 reminded us that legal rights only protect people when people know those rights exist.
By bringing attorneys into classrooms, programs like Constitution Day ensure that knowledge of Miranda warnings, Fifth Amendment protections, and constitutional rights reaches students before they ever need them.
That’s prevention. That’s empowerment. That’s justice.
Looking for a personal injury attorney in California or Washington D.C.? HH Law Firm offers free consultations and represents clients in car accidents, slip and falls, wrongful death, and civil rights cases. Call 1-833-359-6116 or visit www.hhlawfirm.law.