Which law mandates disclosure of witness statements after testimony?

Which law mandates disclosure of witness statements after testimony?

• A. Jencks Act
• B. Rule 26.2
• C. eDiscovery
• D. Impeachment evidence

Answer: (A)

Disclosing a witness’s prior statements after they testify is required by the Jencks Act. This law mandates that once a government witness has finished direct examination, the prosecution must turn over any of the witness’s prior statements that relate to the subject matter of that testimony. The defense can use these statements for cross-examination to test consistency and credibility, helping ensure the witness’s testimony can be fully evaluated. While Rule 26.2 covers the procedural timing and implementation of such disclosures within federal practice, the obligation itself stems from the Jencks Act. The other options aren’t about this statutory duty: eDiscovery relates to electronic data in civil cases, and impeachment evidence is a type of material used to challenge credibility rather than the binding disclosure rule itself.

Disclosing a witness’s prior statements after they testify is required by the Jencks Act. This law mandates that once a government witness has finished direct examination, the prosecution must turn over any of the witness’s prior statements that relate to the subject matter of that testimony. The defense can use these statements for cross-examination to test consistency and credibility, helping ensure the witness’s testimony can be fully evaluated. While Rule 26.2 covers the procedural timing and implementation of such disclosures within federal practice, the obligation itself stems from the Jencks Act. The other options aren’t about this statutory duty: eDiscovery relates to electronic data in civil cases, and impeachment evidence is a type of material used to challenge credibility rather than the binding disclosure rule itself.