Brady Material Law and Legal Definition
Brady material refers to a piece of evidence known to the prosecution that is important for establishing the innocence or reducing the punishment of a defendant. Prosecution must disclose evidence that would help in proving the innocence of a defendant and also which helps in reducing the gravity of punishment. The term ‘Brady material’ comes from the U.S. Supreme Court case, Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (U.S. 1963) wherein this standard was established. For example, prosecution must reveal any agreement with the witness as to giving preferential treatment or not to prosecute him/her in return for testimony on relevant facts.
