When?

The Brady List, derived from the Supreme Court case Brady v. Maryland in 1963, is relevant to a criminal case in the US justice system at various stages throughout the proceedings. Here are some key points when the Brady List becomes relevant:

Pre-Trial

The Brady List is relevant during the pre-trial phase when the prosecution is obligated to disclose exculpatory evidence to the defense. Prosecutors must review the evidence they possess, including information about witnesses' credibility or past misconduct, and determine what should be disclosed under Brady obligations.

Discovery

The Brady List becomes relevant during the discovery process, where both the prosecution and defense exchange relevant evidence. The defense has the right to request any information that may be favorable to the accused or that could challenge the credibility of the prosecution's witnesses. The prosecution must disclose any material on the Brady List that meets these criteria.

Plea Bargaining

The Brady List is also relevant during plea bargaining negotiations. If the prosecution possesses information on the list that could impact the defendant's case or affect the credibility of witnesses, it should be disclosed to the defense. This allows the defense to make informed decisions regarding potential plea agreements.

Trial

The Brady List is highly relevant during the trial itself. It ensures that the defense has access to all exculpatory evidence and information that could undermine the credibility of the prosecution's witnesses. Defense attorneys can use the information from the list to challenge witness testimony, cross-examine witnesses effectively, and present a robust defense.

Post-Conviction

The Brady List remains relevant even after a conviction. If new evidence emerges indicating that the prosecution withheld exculpatory evidence, the defendant may pursue post-conviction relief, such as filing an appeal or a motion for a new trial. The existence of the Brady List and any potential violations of Brady obligations can be critical in such proceedings.

It is important to note that the exact timing and application of the Brady List may vary depending on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances of the case. However, the fundamental relevance of the list lies in ensuring that defendants receive a fair trial and have access to all information that could impact their defense and challenge the credibility of the prosecution's case.