NALA Certified Paralegal Practice Exam 2026 - Free Paralegal Practice Questions and Study Guide

The discovery process in litigation is primarily designed to gather evidence before trial. This stage of the legal process allows both parties to obtain relevant information from each other, ensuring that they are adequately prepared for trial. Through various methods such as interrogatories, depositions, requests for production of documents, and admissions, each party can uncover facts, evidence, and testimonies that may influence the case's resolution.

This stage does not itself decide the outcome of the case; instead, it provides a foundation of information that can lead to a resolution, whether through settlement or trial. While witnesses may testify in depositions or at trial, the discovery phase is fundamentally about collecting evidence rather than eliciting courtroom testimonies. Additionally, discovery is not punitive; rather, it is a procedural mechanism that serves the interests of fairness and transparency in the litigation process.