Discovery
Scope and Framework
Discovery relevance requires that information bear on a claim or defense pleaded in the action. It is broader than trial relevance in that admissibility is not required, but narrower than the former subject matter standard.
Courts may order discovery of subject matter for good cause.
Alternative Names:
Discovery Relevance, Relevant to Claim or Defense
Why it Matters?
The claim or defense limitation gives defendants a concrete objection where requests reach beyond the pleaded case, since discovery into general business practices or unrelated products is outside the scope absent a pleaded connection. Framing relevance objections against the specific claims pleaded, rather than asserting relevance generally, is what makes them effective. Amendment of the pleadings can expand the scope, which is worth anticipating.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
How does discovery relevance differ from trial relevance?
What makes a relevance objection effective?
