Discovery is the phase where both sides exchange information and evidence before trial — and in most civil cases, it takes up more time and effort than any other stage of the litigation.
Interrogatories and requests for production
Interrogatories are written questions the other side must answer under oath; requests for production ask for documents and records. Together they're usually the first real look each side gets at the other's case.
Depositions
A deposition is sworn, recorded testimony taken outside of court, often the single most important discovery tool for locking in a witness's account before trial and identifying inconsistencies early.
Requests for admission
These ask the other side to admit or deny specific facts, narrowing what actually has to be proven at trial and often resolving undisputed points without further argument.
Why discovery disputes happen
Overly broad requests, incomplete responses, and claims of privilege are the most common sources of discovery fights, often resolved through motions to compel when parties can't agree on what has to be produced.
Discovery shapes the rest of the case
What comes out in discovery usually determines whether a case settles, goes to summary judgment, or heads to trial — which is why the drafting and responses in this phase carry more weight than their procedural framing suggests.