Garrity vs. NJ was based on which Constitutional Amendment?

The case of Garrity v. New Jersey revolves around the Fifth Amendment, which protects individuals from self-incrimination. In this landmark 1967 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that public employees cannot be compelled to give testimony that could be used against them in a criminal case without being informed of their rights.

In Garrity, police officers were required to answer questions during an internal investigation under the threat of job loss if they refused to comply. The Court determined that forcing them to choose between their job and their right against self-incrimination violated the Fifth Amendment. This constitutional protection ensures that individuals are not coerced into providing self-incriminating evidence, especially when under pressure, such as in employment situations. The ruling reinforced the principle that public employees, like all citizens, have the right to refuse to testify against themselves in ways that could lead to criminal liability.