Discovery: Finding Out About the Prosecutor’s Case
The prosecution has to disclose certain information to the defense and vice versa. This information is called discovery; it provides a window into the other side's case.
Articles on Criminal Discovery
Articles on Criminal Discovery
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Discovery: What and When the Prosecution Must Disclose
Discovery is the process through which defendants find out about the prosecution's case.
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The Defense's Duty to Turn Over Discovery
The prosecution usually has to disclose more information than does the defense, but that doesn't mean defendants can sit on their hands.
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Access to Police Personnel Files for Criminal Defendants
As anyone who has ever contested a traffic ticket knows, courts frequently assume that whatever an officer says is the truth, even when witnesses refute the police’s version of events.
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Preservation of Evidence in Criminal Cases
The government has a duty to preserve certain types of evidence it collects during criminal investigations and prosecutions.
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Learning the Identity of a Confidential Informant
The prosecution can't always keep the identity of an informant secret; a defendant who makes a good enough showing is entitled to it.