What is discovery in civil litigation?

Discovery is the process attorneys go through to obtain information they need for a civil litigation case. It involves exchanging information and documents between the two sides which may be relevant to the case. The process typically begins when one side files a discovery request, which can include interrogatories (questions that must be answered in writing), requests for documents (such as financial records or emails), or requests for admissions (documents that require the other party to admit or deny certain facts). In Alaska, the attorneys are expected to exchange information through this process as early in the case as possible, to avoid surprise or incorrect assumptions later on. The two sides can also agree to use other methods for obtaining information, such as depositions (interviews of witnesses) or physical inspections of properties. Finally, the Court may order discovery in certain cases. This means that one side can ask the Court to order the other side to produce information or documents they consider relevant to the case. Discovery is an important part of civil litigation, and it is meant to ensure that all relevant evidence is made available to both parties before the case goes to trial.

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What is discovery in civil litigation?

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