What is the purpose of criminal discovery?

In criminal law, criminal discovery is the process of obtaining evidence before a trial. The purpose of criminal discovery is to ensure that all parties have plenty of evidence to work with before going to court. It allows both the defense and the prosecution to prepare their cases more effectively. The purpose of criminal discovery is to balance the playing field for both the prosecution and the defense. Under the rules of criminal discovery, both sides are entitled to have access to the same evidence. This helps to guarantee a fair trial, since both parties are on equal footing when it comes to gathering evidence. Additionally, criminal discovery can help speed up the trial process. By providing both the defense and the prosecution with access to evidence, it can eliminate the need for lengthy arguments and debates about what evidence will be presented. In Massachusetts, criminal discovery is governed by a set of rules known as the Uniform Rules of Criminal Discovery. Under these rules, both the prosecution and the defense are allowed to disclose any evidence that could be important to the case. This includes witness statements, physical evidence, and any other materials that could potentially influence the outcome of the trial. By following the rules of criminal discovery, both parties are guaranteed access to the same evidence. This helps to guarantee a fair trial, while also helping to expedite the pace of the trial.

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What is the purpose of criminal discovery?

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