California Municipal Law Blog
tag:
Pitchess Motions

New Laws Take Effect in 2020: Public Safety Update

by on January 21, 2020

posted in Law Enforcement, Legislative Updates,

Several new laws took effect this year that affect public safety.  The key legislation is summarized in this post.  ... Continue Reading

tags: Gun Violence Restraining Order, Pitchess Motions, Public Records Act, Standards and Policies, Subpoenas, Use of Force, Websites,

Court Clarifies Duties of Police, City Attorneys, District Attorneys for Pitchess Discovery Motions

by on July 20, 2015

posted in Law Enforcement, Pitchess Motions,

The California Supreme Court has resolved questions that have arisen among police departments, city attorneys and district attorneys about their obligations to respond to criminal discovery requirements under the landmark decisions of Brady v. Maryland and Pitchess v. Superior Court. The Brady case, generally, requires the prosecution to disclose material evidence that is favorable to the criminal defendant.  Pitchess holds that peace officers are entitled to a measure of privacy, and that their personnel records can only be examined and disclosed after the filing of a “Pitchess motion”.  ... Continue Reading

tags: Brady v. Maryland, Criminal Discovery, District Attorney, Pitchess Motions, Pitchess v. Superior Court,