What is discovery?

Discovery is just what the word suggests. It is a process attorneys use to “discover” the evidence that is related to a case. Discovery takes many forms. One of them is a deposition: when a person is placed under oath and required to answer questions before a court reporter. Although a deposition is like court testimony, it usually takes place in a lawyer’s office or in a conference room provided by the court reporter. Discovery can also involve written questions (called "interrogatories"), a request that a party produce documents (referred to as a "request for production"), admit facts (a request for admissions) and a demand that the opposing party be able inspect property to conduct tests that are relevant to the subject matter (such as testing an allegedly defective product). In addition, discovery can involve a request that a party submit to a physical examination.