In an episode of _Life on Mars_ I watched a few days ago, Sam Tyler arrested a suspect and began reciting the warning mandated by the UK’s Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, before correcting himself with the proper 1973 warning, which begins, “you have the right to remain silent.” Interested in what the new warning is, I looked it up on the ever-useful _Wikipedia_ and found a few interesting variations. I like the UK one’s phrasing best (even if it might serve to abolish the right to silence), what do you think?

United States:

bq. You have the right to remain silent. If you give up that right, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney and to have an attorney present during questioning. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided to you at no cost. During any questioning, you may decide at any time to exercise these rights, not answer any questions, or make any statements. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak with me?

Australia:

bq. “You are not obliged to say or do anything unless you wish to do so, but whatever you say or do may be used in evidence. Do you understand?”

United Kingdom:

bq. You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention, when questioned, something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.

Many other countries have variations that include statements about the charges and maximum length of custody.