United States v. Mezzanatto

United States v. Mezzanatto is a 1995 Supreme Court case that addressed whether a defendant's silence or pre-trial remarks can be used in court to challenge their credibility if they choose to testify. The Court ruled that prosecutors can use certain pre-trial statements, like offers to waive rights or make deals, to cross-examine and challenge a defendant’s credibility once they take the stand. This decision clarified that defendants cannot expect their pre-trial negotiations or silence to remain off-limits during trial, especially when they choose to testify.