Please explain the reason why the process of discovery is so important to our adversary-based court system and to ensure that the defendant is able to fairly defend themselves at trial.

The informal and formal exchange of information between the prosecution and the defense is referred to as “discovery.” Laboratory reports, statements of witnesses, defendants’ confessions, and police reports are all examples of information that prosecutors often gather and that must be provided to the defense (the prosecution can have NO secrets from the defense). By design, the discovery process does not, on the other hand, require the defense to turn any of its documents or information over to the prosecution.  Please explain the reason why the process of discovery is so important to our adversary-based court system and to ensure that the defendant is able to fairly defend themselves at trial.