Supreme Court of Georgia
Putnal v. the State.
May 7, 2018814 S.E.2d 307
Summary
The Court held that an indigent capital defendant was entitled to seek orders allowing defense-retained mental-health experts access to him ex parte and under seal because disclosure of the experts' identities and proposed examinations could reveal defense theories and mitigation strategy. The trial court therefore erred by filing and disclosing the defense motions and access orders to the State. The Court reversed and remanded for the trial court to assess possible prejudice and determine whether additional curative measures are necessary.