Which doctrine requires the prosecution to disclose exculpatory evidence?

Which doctrine requires the prosecution to disclose exculpatory evidence?

• A. Brady Doctrine
• B. Exculpatory evidence
• C. Giglio v. United States
• D. Jencks Act

Answer: (A)

Prosecutors must disclose favorable evidence that could exonerate the defendant or affect the case’s outcome, because due process requires the defense to see material information the government knows. This obligation is the Brady doctrine, from Brady v. Maryland, which covers exculpatory and material impeachment evidence. Giglio v. United States expands Brady to include impeachment details, while the Jencks Act deals with when witness statements must be produced after testimony rather than the overarching duty to disclose exculpatory material.

Prosecutors must disclose favorable evidence that could exonerate the defendant or affect the case’s outcome, because due process requires the defense to see material information the government knows. This obligation is the Brady doctrine, from Brady v. Maryland, which covers exculpatory and material impeachment evidence. Giglio v. United States expands Brady to include impeachment details, while the Jencks Act deals with when witness statements must be produced after testimony rather than the overarching duty to disclose exculpatory material.