How does interrogation differ from questioning?

Interrogation is distinct from questioning primarily because it is a more structured procedure with a specific goal: to establish the suspect's guilt or innocence regarding a crime. This process typically involves the police or investigators aiming to gather information that could lead to a confession or admission of guilt. Due to the nature of interrogation, the legal system mandates that law enforcement officers provide Miranda warnings to suspects when they are in custody and subject to interrogation, informing them of their rights to remain silent and to have legal counsel.

This requirement is rooted in the potential pressure and psychological tactics that can be employed during an interrogation, which can make it coercive. Therefore, it's essential for suspects to be made aware of their rights to protect against self-incrimination.

In contrast, questioning may not carry the same level of formality or pressure and can occur in various contexts, not just during custody. It might simply involve asking a witness about what they saw or heard, without the intent of determining guilt.

The other options provide incorrect distinctions that do not accurately capture the essence of what makes interrogation a more serious and legally significant process than general questioning. Interrogation does not require consent from the suspect in the way implied, is not necessarily informal, and does not solely apply to minor infractions