What's a brady witness?

Question

I'm reading this article about a woman who is a brady witness to the Polly Klass kidnapping case. I searched google but...that made me more confused. Thanks for the help.

Answer 1

A 'Brady witness' (Brady v. Maryland, supra, 373 U.S. at 87) is a witness who's testimony was suppressed in the original trial. This person's testimony is usually suppressed by the prosecution because it is not considered material evidence (evidence that would likely change the outcome of a proceeding) and would violate due process (loosely, the defendant's Constitutional rights).

Controversy can arise when there is a disagreement of what is considered appropriate to suppress. "Prosecutors are required to disclose to the defense evidence favorable to a defendant which is either exculpatory or impeaching and is material to either guilt or punishment. Evidence is "favorable" to the defendant if it either helps the defendant or hurts the prosecution."

http://da.co.la.ca.us/sd02-08.htm

Answer 2

Some one that was shot in the head?