Which rule governs discovery of a defendant's statements and evidence?

• A. Discovery
• B. F.R.CR.P. 16
• C. Indictment
• D. eDiscovery

Answer: (B)

Rule 16 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure governs discovery in criminal cases. It requires the government to permit the defense to inspect and copy or photograph material evidence in its possession that is relevant to preparing the defense, including the defendant’s own statements made in relation to the case and other evidence the government plans to use at trial or that could be exculpatory. This framework ensures the defense has access to statements and key evidence to build an accurate defense and helps prevent trial by surprise. The other options don’t fit because they’re either too general (a vague notion of discovery), refer to a charging document (indictment), or pertain to civil electronic discovery (eDiscovery).