Murphy v. Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor

378 U.S. 52 (1964)

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Murphy v. Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor

United States Supreme Court
378 U.S. 52 (1964)

Facts

William Murphy and John Moody (defendants) were subpoenaed to testify in front of the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor. Murphy and Moody refused to answer some questions. The two men invoked their Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination, claiming that providing answers might implicate them in criminal activity. Murphy and Moody were then granted immunity from prosecution for their answers and ordered to provide answers. However, this immunity protected the two men from prosecution under only the laws of either New York or New Jersey. Murphy and Moody argued that they still might be prosecuted under federal law and reasserted their refusal to answer the questions. Murphy and Moody were found guilty of civil and criminal contempt, and the superior court entered contempt judgments against them. The New Jersey Supreme Court vacated the criminal-contempt judgment but affirmed the civil-contempt judgment. The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Goldberg, J.)

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