Court Opinion

ID: 9671533
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 03:38:28.055052+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:16:10.540062
License: Public Domain

Connolly, J.,
concurring.
I agree with the majority opinion. I write separately to note that any argument between the prosecution and defense regarding whether Harris was provided with a police report during discovery could have easily been prevented. As the opinion notes, the district court was confronted with a “he said, she *344said” scenario. Although the prosecutor stated that the police report had been provided to the defense, Harris’ attorney maintained that it had not been received. If the prosecutor had obtained a receipt showing items that were provided to defense counsel, the problem would not have arisen. At the very least, a cover letter sent to defense counsel memorializing items provided could have helped prevent the situation from arising. The prosecutor, by documenting the information provided to defense counsel, can verify that the items were actually delivered and can prevent later issues arising regarding whether the prosecution acted properly during discovery.
Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-1915 (Reissue 1995), the trial court, after granting a discovery order, has some latitude in prescribing the manner, terms, and conditions of the order. The trial court, when issuing an order, should set out the manner in which compliance with the order can be verified. Such an order would impose no hardship on anyone and would eliminate any “swearing matches” between the parties regarding compliance.