Zicarelli v. New Jersey State Commission of Investigation

This case, like Kastigar v. United States, ante, p. 441, raises questions concerning the conditions under which testimony can be compelled from an unwilling witness who invokes the Fifth Amendment privilege against compulsory self-incrimination.

The New Jersey State Commission of Investigation 1 subpoenaed appellant to appear on July 8, 1969, to testify concerning organized crime, racketeering, and political corruption in Long Branch, New Jersey. 2 In the course of several appearances before the Commission, he invoked his privilege against self-incrimination and refused to answer a series of…