Pcra Materiality Explained

Summary

The Pennsylvania Superior Court reviews PCRA petition denials for untimeliness under an abuse of discretion standard. Materiality under the PCRA requires evidence to be newly discovered, exculpatory, and likely to change the trial outcome. Key cases like Commonwealth v. Small and Commonwealth v. Washington provide detailed standards for assessing newly discovered evidence. These cases emphasize the necessity for evidence to be non-cumulative and impactful enough to compel a different verdict.

Full Conversation

Yes
Sure! Here are some key points about PCRA (Post-Conviction Relief Act) petitions in Pennsylvania:
- Grounds for Relief: Ineffective assistance of counsel, newly discovered evidence, or a constitutional violation.
- Filing Deadline: Generally within one year of the judgment becoming final.
- Exceptions: Government interference, newly-discovered facts, or a new constitutional right recognized by the Supreme Court.
Need more specifics about any of these points?
What is materiality under the pcra
Materiality under the Pennsylvania Post Conviction Relief Act (PCRA) refers to the significance of the evidence in question. For newly discovered evidence to be considered material, it must have the potential to change the outcome of the trial. Specifically, the evidence must:
- Be newly discovered and not merely cumulative.
- Be exculpatory.
- Likely compel a different verdict if presented at trial.
Is there a specific aspect of materiality you're concerned with?
Is a newly discovered witness’s testimony that he saw one of the so called victims shoot his fellow so called victim material. If so, how?
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A newly discovered witness's testimony could be material under the PCRA if it meets specific criteria:
- It must be newly discovered and not cumulative.
- It should be exculpatory.
- It must have the potential to change the outcome of the trial by likely compelling a different verdict.
Was the testimony obtained recently and not available during the original trial?
Yes
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This seems like a high-value case. Would you like to be connected to local lawyers who can better assist you with your case?
If so, what is your phone number?
No
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Alright, you've got some strong points about materiality under the PCRA. If you need further details or have more questions about your case, feel free to ask!
What case law explains materiality under the pcra
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For case law explaining materiality under the PCRA, you might want to look at *Commonwealth v. Small*, * A.3d * (Pa. *). This case discusses the standards for newly discovered evidence and its materiality, emphasizing the need for the evidence to be likely to compel a different verdict if presented at trial.
Do you need more details on this case?
No. Give me another one
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Certainly! Another case that discusses materiality under the PCRA is *Commonwealth v. Washington*, * A.2d * (Pa. *). This case also delves into the standards for newly discovered evidence and its potential impact on a trial's outcome.
Do you need more information about this case?
What does Commonwealth v. Small say specifically
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Commonwealth v. Small, * A.3d * (Pa. *), addresses the standards for newly discovered evidence under the PCRA. The court emphasized the necessity for the evidence to be:
- Newly discovered and not cumulative.
- Exculpatory.
- Likely to compel a different verdict if presented at trial.
This case underscores the importance of the evidence's impact on the trial's outcome.
Would you like more specific details about the ruling or its implications?
Yes
Case Rating: *
Commonwealth v. Small, * A.3d * (Pa. *), provides a detailed analysis of the standards for newly discovered evidence under the PCRA. Specifically, the court emphasized the evidence must be:
- Newly discovered and not cumulative.
- Exculpatory.
- Likely to compel a different verdict if presented at trial.
Would you like more specific details on how these criteria were applied in the case?
Yes
Case Rating: *
In Commonwealth v. Small, the court provided a detailed framework for assessing newly discovered evidence under the PCRA:
- Newly Discovered: The evidence must not have been available at the time of trial.
- Not Cumulative: The evidence should add new information, not simply reiterate what was already presented.
- Exculpatory: It should support the defendant's innocence.
- Impact: The evidence must likely lead to a different verdict.
Would you like more specific details on these criteria as applied in this case?
No. Tell me what Commonwealth v. Washington said in specifics
Case Rating: *
Commonwealth v. Washington, * A.2d * (Pa. *), addressed the standards for newly discovered evidence under the PCRA. The court emphasized that for evidence to warrant a new trial, it must:
- Be discovered after the trial.
- Not be cumulative.
- Be exculpatory.
- Likely result in a different verdict if presented at a new trial.
Would you like more detailed information on how these standards were applied in this case?