Opinion ID: 2001582
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: The neutron activation test.

Text: Appellant argues that the Commonwealth failed to supply him with the results of a neutron activation test for gunpowder traces, even though he had made a proper request for all exculpatory evidence under Pa.R.Crim.P. 305(A). He argues that the Commonwealth's failure to give him the test results denied him due process of law. In Commonwealth v. Stafford, 450 Pa. 252, 299 A.2d 590, cert. denied 412 U.S. 943, 93 S.Ct. 2775, 37 L.Ed.2d 404 (1973), the Supreme Court held that reports on a defendant's clothing should be made available to the defendant at trial once the Commonwealth initiated a general inquiry into the clothing. The Court held there had been no prejudice to the defendant, however, since the state of the clothing was never brought up at trial. Here, the failure to produce the test results did not prejudice the defendant. The results were inconclusive, and could not have helped or hurt the defendant's case. He has not been denied due process of law.