“Did you consider the reason for the Judge’s ruling? What if this is false information. What if it is completely made up for the benefit of CrimeStoppers?”
Did you consider that the only way to know for sure would be to put the formally anonymous tipster on the witness stand?
A piece of paper would prove nothing, and the only possible reason the judge/attorney could need to see it is to put the person on the stand.
Nobody could be convicted based solely on the tip, the evidence would have to prove guilt.
You answered my question with your own. If this “alleged” tip is false it could still lead to the probable cause to gather other evidence. You are correct that the person would not have to testify. Convictions are not the same as arrests. It is still very costly to fight charges.
Again, follow the money. If this person is paid, as are most Crimestoppers Units, who is he/she to decide what they turn over. This is the same as some recent cases where Lab Directors have falsified evidence and thousands of cases are overturned. Should those Lab people make a rule they don’t have to give information to a Judge?