Breaking: Prosecutors may be given the names of law enforcement officers who have committed misconduct, the California Supreme Court ruled in a closely watched case that will affect police agencies throughout the state.
The California Supreme Court decided unanimously Monday that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement agencies may disclose to prosecutors a deputy’s history of misconduct when that deputy plans to testify in a criminal case.
By law, prosecutors are required to disclose to defendants exculpatory evidence, including information that could diminish the credibility of police officers who worked on a case. The case pits the privacy rights of law enforcement officers against the constitutional duty of prosecutors to give the defense evidence that might cast doubt on a defendant’s guilt, reduce a potential sentence or diminish the credibility of prosecution witnesses.
Under the system in place for decades, defense attorneys and prosecutors may ask a trial judge to review an officer’s personnel file to determine whether there is evidence that must be disclosed. But without knowing an officer’s history, a defense lawyer may not be able to persuade the judge to undertake a review
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Kentucky Supreme Court hears case of Christian printer who refused to make gay pride shirts.'If you buy the argument of Hands On Originals, they can do anything they want in the name of religion,' said Ed Dove of the Lexington Human Rights Commission.
Read more »
Missouri abortion law should be blocked, Planned Parenthood tells judgeCritics of a new Missouri ban on abortions at or after 8 weeks of pregnancy are asking a judge to block the law from taking effect this week.
Read more »
Trump says he hopes Ruth Bader Ginsburg 'does really well' after tumor treatmentPresident Donald Trump had encouraging words for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she recovers from treatment for a malignant tumor.
Read more »
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Completed Cancer Treatment In AugustJustice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has successfully completed another round of cancer treatment and was given a clean bill of health, according to a statement released by the Supreme Court.
Read more »
Woman who tried shoving teen off bridge charged with attempted murder: PoliceCalifornia woman who tried shoving teen off bridge charged with attempted murder: Police.
Read more »
'Hot car death': California K-9 dies after being left in overheated police carThe SPCA advises against ever leaving an animal in a parked car, even with the windows cracked or the air conditioner running.
Read more »