Pennsylvania v. Ritchie

480 U.S. 39 (1987)

Purchase the Printed Copy at bsmsphd.com

Nature of the Case

To access this section all you need to do is click here and register.

Facts

Ritchie (D) was accused of molesting his daughter. After being charged, D attempted to inspect the Pennsylvania (P) Children and Youth Services file for exculpatory evidence. P argued that D should not be allowed to review the file because it was confidential. The trial court did not allow D to inspect the file. D was convicted. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court reversed, holding that D had the right to examine the full contents of the file. The Court found that the right of access is required by the 6th Amendment's Confrontation Clause and Compulsory Process Clause. The Supreme Court accepted review.