The hearing was continued until Wednesday so prosecutors could provide evidence in support of a high bail for Thompson.
Finally, police point out, the news media and prosecutors already provide a powerful check.
And prosecutors must provide such information to the defense, who may use it to attack a witness's credibility.
Next, the prosecutor provides defense counsel with certain "notices" that are required by law.
Under California law, a prosecutor must provide evidence to the defense before a preliminary hearing or trial.
Asked how much the union lost, prosecutors said about $19 million but did not provide any details about how they arrived at the figure.
Also, Congress could force prosecutors to provide the names.
Some prosecutors will provide witness statements a few days before trial, although there is no set practice.
The private prosecutor must provide security for the costs of the private prosecution.
The law requires prosecutors to provide the defense team with an "ample opportunity for inspection, viewing and examination at a government facility."