"When police or prosecutors conceal significant exculpatory or impeaching material, we hold, it is ordinarily incumbent on the state to set the record straight"

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a Partner Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, was renowned for her sharp legal mind and commitment to justice. In this quote, she attends to a key tenet of the criminal justice system: the ethical and legal responsibilities of authorities and prosecutors when dealing with exculpatory or impeaching evidence.

When Ginsburg refers to "considerable exculpatory or impeaching product", she mentions evidence that might either absolve a defendant of regret or weaken the credibility of witnesses or statements presented by the prosecution. This kind of proof is important, as it can impact the outcome of a trial, ensuring that justice is served properly.

The phrase "conceal significant exculpatory or impeaching material" suggests an intentional withholding of evidence by law enforcement or the prosecution. Such actions breach the concepts of due process and fairness that are fundamental to the legal system. There is an expectation that those associated with the prosecution of a case act transparently and honestly, therefore guaranteeing that all pertinent info is considered by the judge or jury.

Ginsburg's assertion that "it is generally incumbent on the state to set the record straight" underscores the responsibility of the state to remedy any improprieties or lapses in the administration of justice. If exculpatory or impeaching evidence is hidden, it pollutes the fairness of the trial, potentially resulting in wrongful convictions. Thus, the state must fix the record to support justice, whether that includes disclosing the proof belatedly, abandoning a wrongful conviction, or retrying a case.

In essence, the quote encapsulates Ginsburg's view that the integrity of the justice system depends upon ethical conduct and the state's task to ensure fairness. It enhances the concept that justice requires openness and responsibility, prioritizing the fair treatment of all people within the system.