The People of the State of New York, Respondent v. Harry Washington, Appellant

Summary

The Court affirmed the Appellate Division, holding that a pre‑trial suppression hearing’s finding that a defendant did not make a statement does not bar the prosecution from using that statement to impeach the defendant’s credibility. The Harris v. New York rule permits impeachment of Miranda‑violating statements so long as the trustworthiness standard is met, and the factual dispute over whether the statement was made is for the jury. The Court also noted that due‑process concerns about fabricated evidence do not require a pre‑trial exclusion of the statements.