What does Brady material refer to?

Brady material refers specifically to exculpatory evidence that is favorable to the accused in a criminal case. This concept comes from the landmark United States Supreme Court case Brady v. Maryland (1963), which established that the prosecution is obligated to disclose any evidence that could potentially exonerate a defendant or affect the outcome of the trial. This includes any evidence that suggests the defendant’s innocence or undermines the prosecution's case against them.

The reason this type of evidence is critical in the legal system is that it upholds the fairness of a trial. If the prosecution were to withhold such evidence, it would impair the defense's ability to effectively argue and possibly lead to an unjust conviction. Thus, recognizing Brady material is essential for maintaining the integrity of the legal process and ensuring that all parties have access to information that could influence the jury's decision-making.