This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

Ritchie (D) was accused of molesting his daughter. After being charged, D attempted to inspect the Pennsylvania (P) Children and Youth Services file for exculpatory evidence. P argued that D should not be allowed to review the file because it was confidential. The trial court did not allow D to inspect the file. D was convicted. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court reversed, holding that D had the right to examine the full contents of the file. The Court found that the right of access is required by the 6th Amendment's Confrontation Clause and Compulsory Process Clause. The Supreme Court accepted review.

The legal issues presented in this case will be displayed here.

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Legal analysis from Dean's Law Dictionary will be displayed here.