Under what condition does the Miranda warning apply?

The Miranda warning applies specifically in situations where an individual is both in custody and subjected to interrogation by law enforcement. This requirement stems from the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Miranda v. Arizona, which aims to protect the Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination.

When a suspect is in custody, they are not free to leave, and this creates a psychological pressure that necessitates the informing of rights to ensure that the suspect is aware they can remain silent and have legal counsel present. The interrogation aspect is also crucial; if law enforcement is asking questions with the intention of eliciting incriminating responses, the Miranda warning must be given to ensure the suspect's rights are safeguarded.

Situations like merely questioning a suspect while they are free to leave or during a routine traffic stop do not meet the criteria for requiring Miranda warnings, as the individual is not considered to be in custody. The Miranda rights exist to prevent coercion during an interrogation process when the individual is significantly deprived of their freedom.