Discovery

Discovery

After a lawsuit is filed, the parties are entitled to learn what their opponents know about the case. Specifically, each party can schedule depositions, send written questions called "interrogatories," inspect documents and other tangible evidence, and demand that certain facts and other things be admitted without a trial. In some states, these procedures are referred to as "discovery," and in others, as "disclosure." The names may be different, but the rules are basically the same.

Each party in the lawsuit is required to respond to requests for discovery. Failure to respond may result in substantial penalties, from fines all the way to losing the case.

To learn about litigation in general, see the topic Litigation at the left.