The Trial of Bernhard Goetz: Testimony of Barry Allen


Direct Examination by Gregory Waples:

W: Mr. Allen, do you know a person by the name of Troy Canty?

Allen: On advice of counsel I reserve my constitutional rights against self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution and decline to answer that question.

Slotnick:  I would object to that and ask Your Honor to direct him to respond to the question.

Justice Crane:  ....How could the acquaintanceship between Troy Canty and this witness possibly incriminate him?

Allen's attorney: I believe it can, Your Honor, based on information I have as Mr. Allen's attorney.

Justice Crane: Would you offer immunity on that question, Mr. Waples?

W: No, Judge.

Slotnick: We would move the Court that this man be given immunity so he could testify before the jury.

Justice Crane:  [After denying the defense motion.] Ask your next question.


W:  Mr. Allen, do you know a person by the name of James Ramseur?....

Allen: On advice of counsel I reserve my constitutional rights against self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution and decline to answer that question....

Cross-examination by Barry Slotnick:

S: Mr. Allen, my name is Barry Slotnick and I represent Bernhard Goetz. How are you this morning?

Allen: Feeling fine.

Justice Crane: You got one in there, Mr. Slotnick.

S: [Where] are yous currently living?

Allen: Rikers Island.

S: And is that a prison?

Allen: Yes.

S: And are you in prison for a crime that you committed after December 22, 1984?....

[For twenty more minutes, Slotnick asked questions which Allen refused to answer.]



BERNHARD GOETZ TRIAL HOMEPAGE