Facts of the Case: John Leo Brady was arrested, tried and found guilty in a Maryland court for murder. The other man Donald Boblit had a separate trial. During Brady’s trial, he testified that even though he was involved with the robbery that Boblit was the one who committed the murder not him. The lawyer for Brady asked the prosecution to see all Boblit’s statements to get ready for trial but the prosecution withheld one statement in which Boblit admitted to committing the murder. Brady was found guilty by a jury of murder and was given a death sentence. Boblit was also found guilty of murder and was also sentenced to death. Brady’s lawyer appealed claiming that the prosecution had withheld exculpatory …show more content…
After being in the room awhile witnesses heard screaming coming from the room. The motel employees forced their way into the room where they found Sewell on top of Agurs fighting over a knife that Agurs was holding. Sewell was immediately taken to the hospital with stab wounds in which he later died. Agurs was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. During the trail, it was stated that after Agurs and Sewell had sexual intercourse that Sewell left the room and upon returning Sewell accused Agurs of taking $360 from his pants pockets. Agurs claims she was acting in self-defense when she stabbed Sewell. She said Sewell attacked her after accusing her of taking his money. Agurs was found guilty. Months later Agurs lawyer found out that the prosecution failed to bring forth key evidence in which Sewell had a criminal record which included violent behavior. The defense moved for a new trial. At first it was denied by the trial court but was later reversed by the court of appeals stating that a new trial was allowed since they jury may have given a different verdict had they known this information.
Issue: If a prosecutor fails to give information to the defense, is this depriving a defendant to their right to a fair trial if the prosecution withheld evidence requested or information that contained a testimony that was