What is the test for a criminal defendant to compel discovery of police personnel records?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from City of Santa Cruz v. Municipal Court, 260 Cal.Rptr. 520, 49 Cal.3d 74, 776 P.2d 222 (Cal. 1989):

These principles were applied in Pitchess to permit the discovery of police personnel records. As we explained, a criminal defendant's right to discovery is based on the "fundamental proposition that [an accused] is entitled to a fair trial and an intelligent defense in light of all relevant and reasonably accessible information." (Pitchess v. Superior Court, supra, 11 Cal.3d at p. 535, 113 Cal.Rptr. 897, 522 P.2d 305, italics added.) Pitchess made it clear that "an accused ... may compel discovery by demonstrating that the requested information will facilitate the ascertainment of the facts and a fair trial." (11 Cal.3d at p. 536, 113 Cal.Rptr. 897, 522 P.2d 305.) In contrast [49 Cal.3d 85] to the detailed showing required by some civil discovery statutes (Code Civ.Proc., 1985, 2036), the requisite showing in a criminal matter "may be satisfied by general allegations which establish some cause for discovery" other than a mere desire for all information in the possession of the prosecution. (11 Cal.3d at pp. 536-537, 113 Cal.Rptr. 897, 522 P.2d 305.) The information sought must, however, be "requested with adequate specificity to preclude the possibility that defendant is engaging in a 'fishing expedition.' " (Id. at p. 538, 113 Cal.Rptr. 897, 522 P.2d 305.)

Other Questions


Can a criminal defendant compel discovery of a police officer's personnel file? (California, United States of America)
Can a criminal defendant compel discovery of personnel files of a police officer? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for discovery of confidential personnel records of a police officer accused of misconduct against a criminal defendant? (California, United States of America)
Can a criminal defendant compel discovery of records of a police officer? (California, United States of America)
Can a district attorney seek discovery of the peace officer personnel records of a criminal defendant who was not a police officer at the time of the crime? (California, United States of America)
What is the legal test for a criminal defendant to obtain copies of a police officer's personnel records from the California Police Service? (California, United States of America)
Can a criminal defendant compel discovery of a police officer's personnel file? (California, United States of America)
Can a criminal defendant compel discovery of information in the personnel files of a police officer? (California, United States of America)
Is a criminal defendant entitled to discovery of certain information in the personnel records of a police officer accused of misconduct? (California, United States of America)
Can a criminal defendant compel the discovery of evidence in a police officer's personnel file? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.