What Is a Brady/Giglio List — And Why It Should Concern You
Imagine if one letter—one unproven accusation—could silently end someone’s career. No trial. No hearing. No chance to respond.
That’s what’s happening across parts of Kansas and other states, through something called a Brady/Giglio list.
🔍 What Is Brady/Giglio?
Brady v. Maryland (1963) and Giglio v. United States (1972) are two U.S. Supreme Court cases that require prosecutors to disclose any evidence that could call a witness’s honesty into question—especially when that witness is a police officer testifying in court.
These rulings were designed to protect the defendant’s right to a fair trial. If a law enforcement officer has a proven history of lying or misconduct, a defense attorney needs to know that.
But here’s the problem: Some prosecutors have turned these protections into blacklists—informal, personal “Brady lists” of officers who are labeled as untrustworthy based on accusations, rumors, or internal politics. Often, the officers on these lists don’t even know they’re on them… until it's too late.
🚨 The Danger of Secret Lists
These lists have quietly destroyed careers, reputations, and families. Officers can be added without:
- A sustained finding of dishonesty
- A criminal charge or conviction
- A hearing or chance to defend themselves
- Any consistent standards across counties
In some cases, it takes only a letter from a supervisor to the District Attorney to place someone on the list. That’s it. No court. No due process. No appeal.
And once you're on it? You're often unhireable in law enforcement again.
⚖️ Why It Matters to Everyone — Not Just Cops
Brady/Giglio lists were meant to protect justice—not to punish without process. If we allow secret, unchecked blacklists in our justice system, who's next?
Whether you’re a teacher, nurse, public servant, or private employee—everyone deserves:
- To know if they’re accused of wrongdoing
- A chance to respond
- A fair process before losing their career
This isn’t about protecting bad officers. It’s about making sure honest people aren’t falsely labeled as liars—with no way to clear their name.
🛑 It’s Time to Fix the List
In states like Iowa, lawmakers passed reforms to ensure officers cannot be listed without due process. Kansas should do the same. We need:
✅ Clear standards for who qualifies for Brady/Giglio
✅ Notice before someone is placed on a list
✅ A fair, neutral process to challenge inclusion
✅ Transparency and accountability in how these lists are used
📢 Learn More. Get Involved.
This is a fight for fairness—for everyone.
🔗 Visit www.ksbradygiglio.org
📩 Contact your lawmakers
🖋️ Sign the petition - https://chng.it/rcTwrQLvkN
📧 Email us at info@ksbradygiglio.org
