Discovery reform will ensure justice

As the article “Women’s advocate: Discovery reform silences rape victims,” Feb. 6, points out, 36 other states have open discovery of some variation. These states include Arizona and North Carolina — two of the most conservative states in our country. In these 36 states, protective orders provide safety to both victim and witness. Protective orders are effective and they are part of New York’s discovery bill.

The need for improved discovery procedures is more urgent than ever. In the last 10 years, more than 140 people were wrongfully convicted in New York. Discovery takes direct aim at reducing this number. People are innocently convicted and languish in prison, often because they do not have access to all the prosecution’s evidence. Indeed, the bill creates more work for prosecutors who will sometimes obtain protective orders and redact information that could jeopardize victim and witness safety. But fairness dictates that discovery, together with the ability to use a protective order for witnesses and victims, must become law.

We must improve our criminal justice system to make it more equitable. New York should be leading the way in criminal justice reform, not lagging behind 36 other states. The Assembly and Senate must pass open file discovery. Prosecutors should stand with us. Enacting the bill will not chill victim and witness cooperation, it will help ensure fair justice. Joseph r. Lentol New York City Assemblyman, D-brooklyn