If the prosecution destroys evidence important to the defense, this violates a defendant's rights only if the prosecution acted

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The prosecution destroying evidence important to the defense violates a defendant's rights only if the prosecution acted in bad faith. This means that the prosecution intentionally destroyed or suppressed the evidence with the knowledge that it would harm the defendant's case. If the prosecution negligently or carelessly destroyed the evidence, it may still be a violation of due process, but it would not rise to the level of a constitutional violation. However, if the destruction was in violation of a court order, this would also be a violation of the defendant's rights.

If the Prosecution Destroys Evidence Important to the Defense, This