Nix Vs. Williams 1984

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Nix Vs. Williams1984

• Daniel Gonzalez

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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.

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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."

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• 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.