Which outcome may follow a violation of discovery obligations?

The correct outcome for a violation of discovery obligations is the exclusion of evidence from trial. Discovery is a pre-trial procedure where parties exchange information relevant to the case. When a party fails to comply with their discovery obligations, particularly in criminal cases, it can lead to significant consequences to maintain the integrity of the judicial process.

Excluding evidence serves as a remedy to ensure that no party benefits from failing to disclose relevant information or evidence that could have been useful to the other side. This is crucial because it upholds the principles of fairness and justice in legal proceedings. When evidence is excluded, it can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case, as they may be unable to present crucial information that was improperly withheld.

While increased penalties, case dismissal, or even automatic acquittal could seem like potential outcomes of a discovery violation, these are not typically the first-line consequences. The legal system generally seeks to resolve discovery violations through measures that directly address the evidentiary issues at hand, thereby allowing the judicial process to continue while maintaining equitable practices.