NALA Certified Paralegal Practice Exam 2025 - Free Paralegal Practice Questions and Study Guide

The identification of interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions as types of discovery is fundamentally sound due to the nature and purpose of these tools in the legal process. Discovery refers to the pre-trial phase in litigation where parties exchange information and gather evidence to prepare for trial.

Interrogatories are written questions posed by one party to another, requiring a written response under oath, which helps clarify facts and gather pertinent information related to the case. Requests for production involve asking for documents, electronically stored information, or other tangible items that are relevant to the litigation, enabling both sides to examine evidence that may be used at trial.

Depositions are oral examinations where witnesses provide testimony under oath, often in the presence of both parties' attorneys. This method allows for questioning that can cover a range of topics pertinent to the case, and the testimony is recorded for use in court proceedings.

In contrast, the other options include elements that do not qualify as discovery methods. For instance, contract negotiations are part of the transactional phase of a legal matter and not a discovery tool. Similarly, motions, hearings, and trials represent procedural steps in litigation rather than mechanisms for uncovering evidence or information. Requests for admissions focus on agreeing to certain facts but do not consist of discovery