Opinion ID: 2630608
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Materiality and Disclosure

Text: ¶ 23 Upon satisfying the reasonable certainty test, the court would then conduct an in camera review for materiality. This review is conducted using a reasonable probability standard. Under this standard, evidence is deemed material where there is a reasonable probability that, if the evidence is disclosed to the defense, the result of the proceeding will be different. Cardall, 1999 UT 51 at ¶ 30, 982 P.2d 79. In the context of a case yet to go to trial, the test becomes more difficult to apply because the trial court must anticipate the efficacy of the material contained in the records in persuading the fact-finder to discredit the victim. See, e.g., Chauncey B. Wood, Note, Rape Prosecutions and Privileged Psychological Counselling Records: How much does a Defendant have a Right to Know about his Accuser?, 3 B.U. Pub. Int. L.J. 351, 374 (1993) (noting necessity and difficulty of anticipating defendant's case and evaluating information reviewed in camera ). Despite the problems inherent in in camera review without the presence of counsel, such review represents a satisfactory method of balancing the interests of privacy and full reporting of crime with defendants' ability to present the best case at trial. Accordingly, it is the method of review we adopt. ¶ 24 In this instance, Blake has failed to meet the necessary minimum showing, that of a reasonable certainty that exculpatory evidence exists which would be favorable to his defense. As such, his challenge fails and we affirm the decision of the trial court.