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Capt Oblivious's avatar

Nellie, on the Murder Case drop, bail reform is likely one contributor, from a witness perspective. Some reforms included hastening the prosecution disclosure requirements. If you witness a murder, know that your police statement will be immediately handed to the defense, and that the alleged murderer could be out on bail, one might pause before doing their civic duty.

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Lynne Morris's avatar

Very good point.

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OrionPeace's avatar

My wife is a prosecutor in the Atlanta area. She has informed me that it is a legal requirement as part of discovery that the home addresses of witnesses are provided to the defense, even in cases of extreme violence. Except where the witness has an attorney and has informed the prosecutor's office.

I can tell you that it isn't often that a witness has, or can afford an attorney, and properly notifies the prosecutor before discovery is shared.

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Lynne Morris's avatar

I can't speak for Georgia but in Texas when the information is provided to the defense the defense is then charged with protecting the personal information contained in the discovery provided. Copies cannot be provided to third parties (there are exceptions for investigators, experts, etc. who essentially work for the defense lawyer) including the defendant. When I review the discovery with my client I print the paper discovery , redact all personal information, then I let him or her review it and retrieve it when we are done. It can only be released otherwise by obtaining a court order or if it is already public information (introduced at trial, for example).

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Skeptical but Optimistic's avatar

It's like it's designed to fail Orion

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Unwoke in Idaho's avatar

ThatтАЩs literally insane.

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JD Cleveland's avatar

Snitches get stitches. Or worse...

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