What is the purpose of the "discovery" phase in a lawsuit?

The purpose of the discovery phase in a lawsuit is to exchange information and gather evidence. This phase allows both parties to request and obtain relevant documents, information, and witness testimonies from each other, which helps ensure that there are no surprises during the trial. Discovery enables both sides to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their cases, promotes transparency, and encourages a fair resolution of the dispute, whether through settlement or trial.

During discovery, various tools such as depositions, interrogatories, requests for production of documents, and requests for admissions may be utilized to gather the necessary information. This collaborative exchange is crucial for building legal arguments and understanding the full context of the issues at hand.

Other options do not accurately reflect the primary function of the discovery phase: presenting evidence in court pertains to the trial phase; finalizing a settlement agreement usually occurs after discovery, and conducting witness examinations is part of the trial process rather than discovery.