In such an instance, the accused is permitted to ask the court for a remedy or sanction against his accuser or plaintiff for their inability to be able to confront the papers and/or effects (i.e., material items, physical exhibits, technical analyses, lab reports, etc.) that assert or support the accusation(s) against him. A court, in law and equity, is required to answer such a request. If the accused's request is not answered in a manner that favorably restores the balance between the accused and the Government in criminal cases, or between the defendant and the plaintiff in civil cases, it is grounds for an appeal if a mistrial is not granted. The United States Supreme Court dealt with this issue in federal civil cases in "United States v. Reynolds".