Opinion ID: 1284318
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: testimony of peter birt and mike porter

Text: Caudill submits that he was denied the right to confront prosecution witnesses, Peter Birt and Mike Porter, because the prosecutor failed to endorse their names on the Information. Birt and Porter were not disclosed as possible witnesses until after the trial had started. Caudill contends that this late disclosure prejudiced his trial preparation and the presentation of his defense. In State of Idaho v. Olsen, 103 Idaho 278, 647 P.2d 734 (1982) we stated that a delayed disclosure of witnesses by the prosecution is not per se reversible error. We held that where the question is one of late disclosure of evidence or witnesses rather than failure to disclose, the inquiry on appeal is whether the lateness of the disclosure so prejudiced the defendant's preparation or presentation of his defense that he was prevented from receiving his constitutionally guaranteed fair trial. In Olsen, we indicated that where a defendant is surprised or prejudiced by the late disclosure, he or she should move for a continuance. In the instant case, the defendant did not so move. Having failed to avail himself of this procedure, he cannot be heard to complain that he was unable to adequately prepare to rebut the witnesses' testimony.