New York Court of Appeals June 15, 1982 (People v. Ricco)

OPINION OF THE COURT

Fuchsberg, J.

We have heretofore held that prior inconsistent statements, though secured in disregard of constitutional safeguards, nevertheless may be admitted to impeach the credibility of a defendant who chooses to take the stand to testify in contradiction of the contents of the flawed statements (People v Washington, 51 NY2d 214, 220; People v Wise, 46 NY2d 321, 329;