Garrity v. New Jersey

Garrity v. New Jersey is a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case from 1967. It addressed the rights of public employees being investigated for misconduct. The Court ruled that statements made by employees during compelled questioning, under threat of losing their jobs, cannot be used against them in criminal cases. This decision protects individuals from self-incrimination, reinforcing the Fifth Amendment right to avoid self-incrimination while acknowledging the need for public agencies to investigate wrongdoing without compromising constitutional rights. Essentially, it established that coerced statements cannot be used in court, ensuring fairness in both administrative and criminal proceedings.