The People of the State of New York v. Peter Donovan and Harry Mencher

Summary

The Court held that Donovan's written confession, obtained after his retained attorney was denied access during an unlawful detention, was inadmissible, and therefore reversed both defendants' murder convictions and ordered new trials. The dissenting judges argued that the confession was voluntary and should be admitted, and that the majority's rule improperly expands the right to counsel.