California, United States of America
The following excerpt is from People v. Windley, B227580 (Cal. App. 2012):
On a showing of good cause, a criminal defendant is entitled to discovery of relevant documents or information in the confidential personnel records of a peace officer who is accused of misconduct against the defendant. (People v. Gaines (2009) 46 Cal.4th 172, 179; Evid. Code, 1043 et seq.) "To initiate discovery, the defendant must file a motion supported by affidavits showing 'good cause for the discovery,' first by demonstrating the materiality of the information to the pending litigation, and second by 'stating upon reasonable belief' that the police agency has the records or information at issue. [Citation.]" (Warrick v. Superior Court (2005) 35 Cal.4th 1011, 1019.) If a defendant shows good cause, the trial court examines the material sought in camera to determine whether disclosure should be made and discloses "only that information falling within the statutorily defined standards of relevance." (Ibid.)
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