---
url: 'https://ice.giglio-bradylist.com/duty/gang-activity'
title: 'Gang Activity'
author:
  name: Anonymous
updated: '2021-08-29T21:54:16+00:00'
type: brady_offenses
summary: 'The U.S. Supreme Court held in United States v. Abel [416 U.S. 45 (1984)] that the prosecution may impeach a defense witness based upon the witness’s reputed membership in a prison gang. Likewise, a defendant in a criminal trial should be able to impeach a prosecution witness based on the witness’s reputed membership in a police gang. Membership in a deputy gang is particularly impeaching because there is substantial evidence that deputies are bound to cover up misconduct and lie on behalf of fellow deputies. A gang is defined as an ongoing organization, association, or group of three (3) or more individuals, whether formal or informal, who: Collectively or individually are involved in criminal activity or anti-social behavior; and, Claim a common name, color, symbol or dress. Gang activity ranges in severity form “bullying” to drug dealing and drive-by shootings. These groups thrive on intimidation and notoriety. Dependent on both individual and group participation, these groups can vary in structure from non-formal leadership to highly structured. Gangs will identify themselves with names they take from various places including streets, buildings, bands, or even popular movies.'
tags:
  - Affiliations
published: true
---
The U.S. Supreme Court held in United States v. Abel \[416 U.S. 45 (1984)\] that the prosecution may impeach a defense witness based upon the witness’s reputed membership in a prison gang. Likewise, a defendant in a criminal trial should be able to impeach a prosecution witness based on the witness’s reputed membership in a police gang. Membership in a deputy gang is particularly impeaching because there is substantial evidence that deputies are bound to cover up misconduct and lie on behalf of fellow deputies.

A gang is defined as an ongoing organization, association, or group of three (3) or more individuals, whether formal or informal, who:

- Collectively or individually are involved in criminal activity or anti-social behavior; and,
- Claim a common name, color, symbol or dress.

Gang activity ranges in severity form “bullying” to drug dealing and drive-by shootings. These groups thrive on intimidation and notoriety. Dependent on both individual and group participation, these groups can vary in structure from non-formal leadership to highly structured. Gangs will identify themselves with names they take from various places including streets, buildings, bands, or even popular movies.