Which rule requires disclosure of witness statements to the defense?

• A. Jencks Act
• B. Giglio v. United States
• C. Brady Doctrine
• D. Higher quantity

Answer: (A)

The rule you’re looking for is the Jencks Act. It requires the prosecutor to disclose to the defense any prior statements of government witnesses after that witness has testified on direct examination, and these statements must relate to the testimony given. This timing is key: the defense gets access to the statements to assess credibility and prepare cross-examination, but only after the witness has already testified. This rule specifically targets statements of government witnesses and is separate from other disclosure rules.

Brady v. Maryland establishes the obligation to disclose exculpatory or favorable evidence in the prosecution’s possession, not just prior statements of witnesses. Giglio v. United States expands Brady to impeachment information about a witness (like deals or bias) but doesn’t mandate all prior statements of witnesses. The option “Higher quantity” isn’t a recognized rule.