Discovery Flashcards

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1
Q

in general that parties may obtain discovery

2

A

any matter not privileged that is relevant to the subject matter in the pending action

-it does not matter if the information will be admissible at trial as long as reasonably calculate to lead to admissible evidence

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2
Q

In N.C. what are the mandatory disclosures that are required?

A

There are none, all information must be requested

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3
Q

Discovery extends only to matter “not privileged.”
-The established privileges are:
(4)

A
  1. self-incrimination
  2. physician patient privilege
  3. attorney client privilege
  4. spousal privilege
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4
Q

“Relevance” is given a very broad interpretation. It does not matter that the information will be inadmissible at trial as long as the information sought:

A

is reasonably calculate to lead to admissible evidence

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5
Q

Are insurance agreements discoverable?

A

A party can discover the existence and contents of a liability insurance agreement.

Information concerning the insurance is not, however, thereby made admissible.

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6
Q

The Work Product Doctrine covers two types of materials?

A
  1. Qualified Protection for Materials Prepared in Anticipation of Litigation
  2. Absolute Protection for the Thoughts and Mental Impressions of the Attorney
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7
Q

The general rule for Qualified Protection for Materials Prepared in Anticipation of Litigation

-Exception (2)

A

the tangible materials not discoverable (documents and tangible things prepared for litigation) –> however, the facts underlying the materials are discoverable

Unless, opposing party can show
1. substantial need 
(e.g. witness is unavailable)
\+
2. Undue hardship
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8
Q

In determining whether “undue hardship” exists, the court will consider:
(3)

A

All about cost

  1. The cost of obtaining the material of the source
  2. Financial Hardship of seeking it
  3. likely hood an alternative can be obtained
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9
Q

Absolute Protection for the Thoughts and Mental Impressions of the Attorney

A

There is absolute immunity from discovery protects the mental impressions, conclusions, opinions or legal theories of an attorney or other representative of a party concerning the litigation.

-never discoverable

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10
Q

Discoverable information of experts who will testify?

4

A
  1. Name
  2. Subject Matter they will testify to
  3. Substance of facts and opinions
  4. Summary of grounds for facts and opinions

≠ have to give up expert report

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11
Q

Discoverable information of experts who will not testify?

A

-no requirements for disclosure

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12
Q

When are protective orders necessary?

A

to “make any order which justice requires to protect a party or person from annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden or expense.”

Protective orders may limit the discovered information permitted to be disclosed at trial or limit certain areas as being undiscoverable at all, such as trade secrets.

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13
Q

A party has no duty to supplement an earlier response to include information thereafter acquired, except
(4)

A

if sought in discovery

  1. you find out about a witness that you want to call
  2. new expert witnesses
  3. find that something you said is incorrect
  4. court orders
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14
Q

Every discovery request, response or objection thereto must be:

A

Signed by the attorney

(1) it is consistent with the Rules of Civil Procedure and warranted by the law or a good-faith argument for changing the law;
(2) it is not interposed for any improper purpose; and
(3) it is not unreasonable or unduly burdensome or expensive

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15
Q

Methods of Discovery

A
  1. Oral Depositions
  2. Depositions upon Written Questions
  3. Interrogatories to Parties
  4. Production of Documents or Things and Entry upon Land
  5. Physical or Mental Examination
  6. Requests for admissions
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16
Q

Oral Depositions can be taken on

A

-anyone who may have information in the case

17
Q

When do you need leave of court to take an oral deposition?

A

If seeking the deposition before the responsive pleadings are filed

18
Q

If the deposed party is a party to the case: how to get them?

A

File notice of deposition

  • File with court
  • Send to other side and tell them the date, time, location of deposition
19
Q

If the deposed party is not party to the case: how to get them?

A

Get a civil subpoena and serve it on the deponent

20
Q

subpoena duces tecum requires?

A

A non party to come to a deposition + bring specified documents with them

21
Q

Where can you depose a non-party?

A
  • anywhere the appear voluntarily

- if N.C. resident: only county in which they work or live

22
Q

How can a statement made in a deposition be used at trial?

A

Generally, inadmissible as hearsay
-can use for impeachment purposes

Adverse witness depositions can be used substantively if they do not testify at trial

23
Q

Depositions upon Written Questions occurs when?

A

A court reporter deposes a witness with a list of questions and records deponent’s responses

24
Q

Who can receive interrogatories?

A

only parties to the litigation

25
Q

How many interrogatories can you ask the other side?

A

unlimited

26
Q

Duty to Respond to interrogatories

A

Each interrogatory must be answered separately and fully; or,
Objected to

-Party must answer each question that can be reasonably obtained without undue labor and cost

27
Q

Use of Interrogatories at Trial

A

(1) Answers to interrogatories can be used by an adverse party for any purpose.

28
Q

Requirements for Production of Documents or Things and Entry upon Land

A

Must set forth specifically anything that is sought or needs to be inspected
-if the document was formerly in your possession you cannot give it away

29
Q

Whenever the physical or mental condition of a party is in controversy, the court may require:

A

a physical or mental examination

30
Q

What is the scope of discovery?

A

any matter not privileged
+
that is relevant to the subject matter in the pending action

31
Q

What is required to get a physical or mental examination?

A
  1. The party’s mental or physical condition must be “in controversy.” –> the condition is relevant to the dispute
    +
  2. Court order upon motion by a party
32
Q

Is there a physician-patient privilege when the court orders a physical or mental examination?

A

No, it is waived

-Doctor can testify

33
Q

What is a request for admissions?

-Effect?

A

Requests the other side to admit to certain facts

Whatever is admitted does not have to be proved at trial

34
Q

What can be done if a party refuses to comply with discovery?

A

Can file a motion to compel a response and award expenses

35
Q

What does a non-party do when subpoenaed and does not think they have the right to subpoena?

A

Motion to Quash