Which best distinguishes an interview from an interrogation?

• A. An interview occurs after Miranda warnings.
• B. An interview is noncustodial informational questioning.
• C. An interview requires a waiver of rights.
• D. An interview is conducted only in civil cases.

Answer: (B)

Understanding the difference comes down to custody and purpose. An interview is noncustodial and informational—officers ask questions to gather facts, and the person is generally free to leave. Because it isn’t designed to pressure the person into a confession, Miranda warnings aren’t triggered just by an interview.

Interrogation, on the other hand, is typically conducted when the person is in custody and the questions are aimed at eliciting a confession. In that setting, rights advisements apply, and a waiver of rights or the presence of counsel becomes relevant.

So the best distinction is that an interview is noncustodial informational questioning, whereas an interrogation is custodial and focused on obtaining a confession. The other choices don’t fit because Miranda warnings relate to custody, not all interviews; a waiver of rights isn’t required for an informational interview; and interrogations can occur in criminal cases, not just civil ones.