“discovery”
This page shows official legal definitions of “discovery” from courts and ministries of justice in multiple countries. Definitions are listed in order of reading level to help with both basic understanding and deeper context.
Australia
|
A procedure by which documents relevant to a civil action are exchanged between the parties before the case comes on for hearing. Also known as disclosure- see applicable Court rules.
|
||
United States
|
In a criminal proceeding, "discovery" emphasizes the right of both the defense and prosecution to obtain access to evidence necessary to prepare their case.
|
||
New Zealand
|
A process by which the parties involved in a legal proceeding must inform each other of documents they have in their possession and which relate to the matters in dispute between the parties.
|
||
|
United States
|
Procedures used to obtain disclosure of evidence before trial.
|