Litigation – What is an Examination for Discovery

What is an Examination for Discovery?

In nearly all litigation matters, parties will undergo what is termed an “Examination for Discovery” or “Discovery” for short. Typically, a Discovery means that you will be questioned under oath by a lawyer acting for the other party in your legal action. The main purpose is to learn more about the case, assess your credibility and reliability as a witness, and to have evidence provided under oath to rebut contrary evidence that you may give at trial.

While the foregoing description makes many parties nervous, Discoveries are oftentimes quite casual. You will be in a room with the lawyers, often times the other party, and a Court Reporter. The lawyer who is conducting the Discovery will ask you a series of questions about your case in an effort to obtain admissions to prove certain facts at trial. The Court Reporter will record and transcribe the Discovery, and produce a transcript afterwards.

As everything you say is being recorded and transcribed, the following are important reminders:

  • Listen to each question carefully and think before your answer
    • It is always acceptable to answer with an “I don’t know” if you do not know an answer a question asked of you
  • If you do not understand a question, ask the lawyer to rephrase it for you
  • Disclose only as much information as necessary to answer the question asked of you;
    • For instance, if asked “what color was the car” it would not be in your best interest to provide a vivid description of the car, the surrounding circumstances, and the weather that day
  • Answer the question truthfully and to the best of your ability
    • You are under oath, and are legally obligated to tell the truth. Answers contrary to available evidence could lead to a Judge not accepting your evidence at trial due to credibility concerns
  • Make sure to answer with a verbal response
    • The transcript will not pick up cues such as “mhm” or “uh huh”, nor will the Court Report record that you made hand gestures

The best way for a witness to act at a Discovery is calm, collected, and with confidence. Lawyers know that parties who do well at Discovery will do well at trial.

If you require assistance with your legal matter, contact Heath Law LLP.

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