When may the identity of an informant be disclosed?

• A. The informant was a participant in or a witness to a crime
• B. The informant's identity is never disclosed
• C. The informant's identity must be disclosed only with a court order
• D. The informant's identity is irrelevant

Answer: (A)

Confidential informants are protected to keep their identity secret, but there is an important exception: if the informant was a participant in the crime or a witness to it, that confidentiality can be overridden. In those situations, the informant’s direct involvement or testimony makes their identity relevant to ensuring a fair trial and the integrity of the proceedings. Disclosing the informant’s identity may be necessary so the defense can challenge credibility, uncover potential biases, or verify information that is linked to the crime itself.

The other options imply secrecy without exception or misstate when disclosure is appropriate. If the informant’s involvement ties the case to the testimony or facts at hand, withholding identity would compromise due process, whereas a blanket rule of never disclosing or requiring a court order in all cases does not reflect the permissible exceptions that exist when the informant is part of the crime or a key witness.