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Arizona Supreme Court Rules Prosecutors Must Turn Over Evidence

The Arizona Supreme Court has approved a new rule that may help people convicted of a crime. The help could come from and unlikely source, prosecutors.

A new rule for lawyers adopted by the court will require prosecutors who find evidence that a convicted person may actually be innocent must turn that information over to defense lawyers. The rule also said prosecutors who discover "clear and convincing" evidence that a defendant is not guilty must take steps to have the conviction reversed.

Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery objected to the rule in a court filing last month, saying it was unnecessary. Despite his objections the Supreme Court approved the new rules.

Al Macias, former KJZZ news director, retired as KJZZ's news director in 2022. He rejoined the station as a features reporter in 2023 and also as a part-time editor in 2024.