William Tupua Satele, Petitioner v. the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, Respondent; the People, Real Party In…

Summary

The court held that Penal Code section 1054.9's good-cause requirement governs access to physical evidence in the possession of the prosecution or law enforcement, not trial exhibits held by the court. Court exhibits are generally presumed open to inspection, although the trial court may impose conditions to protect their integrity and chain of custody. The court granted a writ of mandate directing the trial court to vacate its order and reconsider access under its inherent authority.