If a suspect does not talk or answers some questions, have they asserted their right to remain silent?

The suspect’s silence or failure to answer questions does not inherently signify an assertion of the right to remain silent. The right to remain silent must be clearly invoked, usually through a verbal declaration. In legal contexts, if an individual wishes to assert this right, they typically need to communicate their desire to do so explicitly.

When a suspect chooses not to respond or participates minimally, law enforcement cannot assume they are invoking their right to remain silent. Silence can lead to ambiguity, but it does not provide a clear declaration of one’s rights. For an assertion to be legally recognized, it often needs to be articulated explicitly.

This understanding is key in law enforcement and legal scenarios, as it shapes the approach towards interrogation and the suspect's protections during questioning.