What does the Michael Morton Act require?

The Michael Morton Act fundamentally aims to enhance the transparency and accountability of the criminal justice process, particularly in relation to evidence disclosure. Under this act, the state is required to disclose all evidence that is favorable to the defendant, regardless of whether it is deemed material or relevant to the case. This is a significant shift enhancing the rights of the accused and ensuring that the defense can adequately prepare for trial.

This obligation is crucial because it helps prevent wrongful convictions by ensuring that all potential exculpatory evidence is available to the defense. It highlights the principle that the prosecution's duty is not just to convict but to seek justice, thus allowing defendants a fair chance to present their case.

In contrast, the other options present narrower or different requirements. For instance, the act does not condition the prosecution's obligations on the materiality of the evidence. It also does not impose specific time-frame requests for the defendant, nor does it focus on keeping evidence confidential, as the primary goal is to promote openness in the disclosure process.