What is the purpose of discovery in civil litigation?

• A. To schedule trials
• B. To punish wrongdoing
• C. To obtain relevant facts from parties
• D. To enforce judgments

Answer: (C)

Discovery in civil litigation is the process of uncovering facts by obtaining information from the other party and other sources. Its purpose is to obtain relevant facts from parties so that each side can understand what the evidence will show, assess the strength of the case, and prepare for trial or negotiate a settlement. Through tools like interrogatories, requests for production of documents, depositions, and requests for admission, parties compel disclosure of information that might otherwise remain hidden. This transparency helps reduce surprises at trial, clarifies the issues in dispute, and speeds up fair resolution. Other aspects of the legal process, such as scheduling trials, punitive actions for wrongdoing, or enforcing judgments after a decision, serve different goals and do not define discovery’s purpose.