Pretrial Discovery
/ˈpriːˌtraɪəl dɪˈskʌvəri/
Definitions
- (n.) The pre-litigation or pretrial process by which parties exchange relevant information and evidence prior to trial.
The attorneys conducted pretrial discovery to obtain documents and witness statements.
- (n.) Procedures including depositions, interrogatories, requests for production, and admissions used to gather facts before trial.
Pretrial discovery often involves depositions to record witness testimony under oath.
Forms
- pretrial discovery
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Pretrial discovery is a critical phase to avoid trial by isolating disputed facts; care should be taken when drafting discovery requests to balance thoroughness with relevance and proportionality.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.