Arizona Supreme Court Rules Prosecutors Must Turn Over Evidence

By Al Macias
Published: Friday, November 15, 2013 - 1:45pm

The Arizona Supreme Court has approved a new rule that may help people convicted of a crime. The help could come from and unlikely source, prosecutors.

A new rule for lawyers adopted by the court will require prosecutors who find evidence that a convicted person may actually be innocent must turn that information over to defense lawyers. The rule also said prosecutors who discover "clear and convincing" evidence that a defendant is not guilty must take steps to have the conviction reversed.

Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery objected to the rule in a court filing last month, saying it was unnecessary. Despite his objections the Supreme Court approved the new rules.