4.0 Module Overview - The Discovery Process

There is informal discovery and a formal discovery process, including depositions, interrogatories, requests for productions, and requests for admissions. Students must be aware and familiar with these procedures to be successful.

 

Getting Started

Read more about the difference between informal and formal discovery and a summary of the types of discovery here: Filing a Lawsuit: The Discovery Process Links to an external site.

Also, watch a brief description of the paralegal's role in the discovery process from the Center for Paralegal Studies:

 

Lesson Objectives

Upon completion of this module, you should be better prepared to:

1. Maintain time-keeping records using a notebook or an electronic system.
2. Prepare and critique interrogatories given a case.
3. Prepare a subpoena and a Notice of Deposition for a nonparty witness in your jurisdiction.
4. Prepare deposition questions for an expert witness.
5. Determine a set of facts and/or laws that are appropriate to submit for a request for admissions given a case.
6. Create appropriate client interview questions for a case scenario.
7. Prepare an answer to a cross-complaint.