Prosecution Brady Disclosure Obligations in Florida
Florida prosecutors bear a constitutional and statutory obligation to disclose all Brady material to the defense, encompassing exculpatory evidence, impeachment evidence, and material favorable to the defendant.
Expanded Florida Discovery
Florida Rule 3.220 exceeds the federal Brady minimum by requiring open-file discovery. Prosecutors must disclose witness lists, all statements, tangible evidence, expert reports, and any material tending to negate guilt. This expansive approach reflects Florida's commitment to ensuring fair trials through comprehensive disclosure.
Enforcement
Florida courts enforce Brady obligations through new trial orders, conviction reversals, charge dismissals, and prosecutorial discipline. The materiality standard requires showing a reasonable probability that disclosure would have changed the outcome. Courts evaluate the suppressed evidence's significance in the context of the entire record.
Related Terms
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Reviewed by the attorneys at Barnes Walker, Goethe, Shea & Robinson, PLLC