Brady v. Maryland
United States Supreme Court
373 U.S. 83 (1963)
Relevant factsFree
Brady (defendant), tried for murder, admitted involvement but claimed he did not personally kill the victim; his co-defendant Boblit had made a statement admitting to the actual killing, which Brady's attorney requested but the prosecutor withheld before trial. Brady was convicted and sentenced to death, and only learned after sentencing that the prosecutor had suppressed Boblit's confession. The court of appeals found the suppression violated due process.
IssueFree
Whether due process requires the prosecution to disclose to the defense, upon request, evidence favorable to the accused that is material to guilt or punishment.