Harris v. New York

United States Supreme Court

401 U.S. 222

Harris  v.  New York

Certiorari to the Court of Appeals of New York

No. 206.  Argued: December 17, 1970 --- Decided: February 24, 1971

Statement inadmissible against a defendant in the prosecution's case in chief because of lack of the procedural safeguards required by Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, may, if its trustworthiness satisfies legal standards, be used for impeachment purposes to attack the credibility of defendant's trial testimony. See Walder v. United States, 347 U.S. 62. Pp. 223-226.

25 N.Y. 2d 175, 250 N.E. 2d 349, affirmed.

BURGER, C.J., delivered the opinion of the Court, in which HARLAN, STEWART, WHITE, and BLACKMUN, JJ., joined. BLACK, J., dissented. BRENNAN, J., filed a dissenting opinion, in which DOUGLAS and MARSHALL, JJ., joined, post, p. 226.

Joel Martin Aurnou argued the cause and filed a brief for petitioner.

James J. Duggan argued the cause for respondent. With him on the brief was Carl A. Vergari.

Sybil H. Landau argued the cause for the District Attorney of New York County as amicus curiae urging affirmance. With her on the brief were Frank S. Hogan, pro se, and Michael R. Juviler.

Notes