How to Manage Discovery Package

This guide shows you how to compile, track, and manage discovery packages for prosecution in IronCase.

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Understanding Discovery

Discovery is the legal process of sharing evidence with the defense. Prosecutors have constitutional obligations to disclose:

• Evidence favorable to the defendant (Brady material)
• Evidence material to guilt or punishment (Giglio material)
• All evidence the prosecution intends to use at trial

IronCase helps you compile, track, and document discovery compliance.

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Accessing Discovery

1. Open your case
2. Go to the Discovery tab
3. View the discovery package status
4. See what's included and what's pending

Or go to Discovery in the navigation to see all cases with discovery activity.

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Discovery Package Components

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Creating a Discovery Package

Step 1: Initiate Discovery

1. Open the case
2. Go to Discovery tab
3. Click Create Discovery Package
4. Enter package details:
   • Court case number
   • Prosecutor name
   • Defense attorney (if known)
   • Initial deadline

Step 2: Add Items

IronCase suggests items based on case contents:

1. Review suggested items
2. Select items to include
3. Add additional items manually
4. Mark items as:
   • Included — Will be in package
   • Pending — Not yet available
   • Withheld — Protected from disclosure (with justification)
   • N/A — Not applicable to this case

Step 3: Review for Completeness

Before finalizing:

1. Click Review Package
2. IronCase checks for common gaps
3. Review flagged issues
4. Address any missing items

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Brady/Giglio Obligations

Brady Material

Evidence favorable to the defendant that is material to guilt or punishment:

1. Review all evidence for exculpatory information
2. Flag potential Brady material
3. Document your review
4. Include or notify prosecutor immediately

Giglio Material

Information affecting witness credibility:

1. Review witness backgrounds
2. Check for prior inconsistent statements
3. Identify deals or benefits given to witnesses
4. Document officer Brady status

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Discovery Statuses

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Producing Discovery

Preparing for Production

1. Click Prepare for Production
2. Select format:
   • PDF compilation
   • Native files with index
   • Bates-stamped documents
3. Redact protected information:
   • Witness addresses (if safety concern)
   • Victim contact information
   • Confidential informant identity
4. Generate cover letter

Recording Production

After sending to defense:

1. Click Record Production
2. Enter production date
3. Note delivery method (electronic, mail, in-person)
4. Upload proof of delivery
5. Status updates to disclosed

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Supplemental Discovery

When new evidence becomes available:

1. Go to Discovery tab
2. Click Add Supplement
3. Add new items
4. Document why supplemental
5. Produce to defense
6. Record production

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Tracking Deadlines

IronCase tracks discovery deadlines:

Viewing Deadlines

1. Go to Discovery dashboard
2. View upcoming deadlines
3. Filter by case, status, or date
4. Set reminders

Common Deadlines

Deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court rules.

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Protective Orders

Some materials require protection:

1. Identify sensitive materials
2. Request protective order from court
3. Upload court order
4. Mark items as protected
5. Comply with order terms when producing

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Audit Trail

IronCase maintains complete discovery audit trail:

• Every item added/removed logged
• All production events recorded
• Reviewer actions documented
• Deadlines and compliance tracked

This documentation protects against claims of non-disclosure.

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Discovery Reports

Generate reports for case management:

1. Go to Discovery dashboard
2. Click Reports
3. Select report type:
   • Package contents
   • Production history
   • Pending items
   • Compliance status
4. Export for court or file

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Best Practices

• Start early — Begin compiling as evidence comes in
• Be thorough — Include everything potentially relevant
• Document decisions — Record why items are included or withheld
• Meet deadlines — Late discovery causes case problems
• Communicate — Keep prosecutor informed of new evidence
• When in doubt, disclose — Err on side of over-disclosure

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Related

• Discovery Process Explained
• Prepare Criminal Filing
• Add Evidence