The Brady List concept is deeply rooted in a series of Supreme Court rulings that expanded upon the principles set forth in Brady v. Maryland. Notably, the decision in Giglio v. United States (1972) further emphasized the requirement to disclose any deal or understanding between the prosecution and a witness that could affect the witness's credibility. This ruling is why the Brady List is sometimes referred to as the "Giglio List."
These legal precedents have established that the failure to disclose Brady material can result in the reversal of convictions, as it undermines the fairness of the trial process. As a result, the maintenance and disclosure of Brady Lists have become a key aspect of prosecutorial duties across the United States.