Opinion ID: 673144
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Fingerprint Tests

Text: 42 Banda argues the state's delay in revealing the existence of fingerprint tests on the cocaine packages violated his right to disclosure of exculpatory materials under Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963). Brady proscribes prosecutorial suppression of exculpatory evidence that is material to either guilt or punishment. Brady, 373 U.S. at 87. The government's information need not be disclosed prior to trial, however, so long as the defense receives the information at a time when the disclosure would be of value to the accused. United States v. Davenport, 753 F.2d 1460, 1462 (9th Cir.1985). 43 Here, the government disclosed the fingerprint evidence during trial. The court then invited defense counsel to contact the technician who conducted the initial tests and determine the need to produce her as a witness. Banda thus was afforded adequate opportunity to make effective use of the government's information regarding the fingerprint tests. There was no Brady violation. See United States v. Gordon, 844 F.2d 1397, 1403 (9th Cir.1988). 44