New York Court of Appeals

The People of the State of New York v. William P. Melski

June 9, 196110 N.Y.2d 78

Summary

The Court affirmed the conviction, holding that the wife’s testimony was not protected by the marital communications privilege because the communication was not confidential, having been made in the presence of third parties and voluntarily disclosed. Chief Judge Desmond dissented, arguing the privilege should have barred the testimony.