interview under caution

English

Etymology

From the mandatory caution given by the police to the suspect at the beginning of such interviews: “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.”.

Noun

interview under caution (plural interviews under caution)

1. (criminal law, law enforcement, England and Wales, formal) A formal interview of a suspect by the police as part of a criminal investigation, for which the suspect is entitled to legal representation. Used to determine whether or not to prosecute the suspect, and most commonly conducted following arrest, though sometimes in other circumstances.