International Journal of Humanities and Social Science

ISSN 2220-8488 (Print), 2221-0989 (Online) 10.30845/ijhss

Are Brady Lists (aka Liar’s Lists) the Scarlet Letter for Law Enforcement Officers? A Need for Expansion and Uniformity
Mary Ellen Reimund

Abstract
Some police officers in the United States are finding themselves on Brady Lists, also referred to as Liar’s Lists. The lists are kept to be in compliance with the landmark case of Brady v. Maryland (1963), which requires prosecutors to reveal exculpatory material (material which would be favorable to their case) to defense attorneys. Although the case is 50 years old, how prosecutors and police are complying with Brady in regard to dishonesty and police officers is in its infancy. This is an exploratory look at how King County Washington, a jurisdiction in the forefront of this issue, handles their Brady List. It looks at the incentives and disincentives of the formal lists and the stigma attached for police officers.

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