Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Term: REVERSEJENCKS
Definition: Reverse Jencks is a legal term used in criminal cases. It refers to a written or recorded statement made by a defense witness before the trial. The prosecutor is entitled to have this statement to prepare for cross-examination. This is called reverse Jencks material. The defense can also use a statement made by a prosecution witness for impeachment purposes. Reverse Jencks material can be obtained during pretrial discovery. It includes a witness's written or oral statements, including grand-jury testimony. This is also known as reverse discovery or reciprocal discovery.
Reverse Jencks is a term used in criminal procedure. It refers to a written or recorded pretrial statement made by a defense witness that a prosecutor is entitled to have in preparing to cross-examine the witness. This material can be obtained during pretrial discovery and includes a witness's signed or adopted written statement, and transcripts or recordings of the witness's oral statements, including grand-jury testimony.
For example, if a defendant in a criminal case calls a witness to testify on their behalf, the prosecutor is entitled to obtain any written or recorded statements made by that witness before the trial. This is known as reverse Jencks material.
Reverse Jencks material is important because it allows both the prosecution and defense to prepare for cross-examination and to ensure that witnesses are truthful and consistent in their testimony.
These examples illustrate how reverse Jencks material is used in criminal cases to ensure that both the prosecution and defense have access to all relevant information before trial.