Carlos David Lopez v. California
DueProcess Privacy
Does a trial court's refusal to review privileged mental health records of the complaining witness violate the defendant's Sixth Amendment rights?
QUESTIONS PRESENTED 1. Does atrial court’s refusal to review privileged mental health records of the complaining witness during plea negotiations violate the Sixth Amendment right to the effective assistance of counsel, particularly where the defendant is potentially facing a life sentence if he does not enter a plea? 2. Doesatrial court’s refusal to review privileged mental health records of the complaining witness prior to trial violate the Sixth Amendment right to confront witnesses? 3. Does atrial court’s refusal to review privileged mental health records of the complaining witness prior to trial violate the Sixth Amendment right to compulsory process? 4. Docriminal defendants have a due process right to have a court review privileged mental health records of the complaining witness prior to trial? 1