Massiah v. United States

377 U.S. 201 (1964)

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Massiah v. United States

United States Supreme Court
377 U.S. 201 (1964)

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Facts

Winston Massiah (defendant) was indicted for violating federal narcotics laws. With the assistance of counsel, Massiah pleaded not guilty and was released on bail. Unbeknownst to Massiah, a codefendant, Colson, had agreed to cooperate with the police. A few days after Massiah was released on bail, police officers installed a listening device in Colson’s car. While Colson and Massiah were sitting in Colson’s car, Colson initiated a conversation with Massiah in which Massiah made incriminating statements. The prosecution later introduced Massiah’s incriminating statements at trial. Massiah’s defense counsel objected, but the court admitted the statements, and the jury ultimately convicted Massiah of several drug offenses. The court of appeals affirmed the convictions. The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Stewart, J.)

Dissent (White, J.)

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