What is the purpose of requiring parties to engage in the discovery of documents?

Requiring parties to engage in the discovery of documents serves the essential purpose of ensuring all relevant evidence is disclosed. This phase of the litigation process allows both parties to obtain information and documents that are pertinent to the case, promoting transparency and fairness. By doing so, discovery seeks to prevent surprises at trial, enabling each side to understand the strengths and weaknesses of their opponent's case based on all available evidence. This comprehensive exchange of evidence also helps parties to prepare more effectively for trial, leading to a more informed and efficient judicial process.

While expediting the trial process and limiting objections are potential peripheral benefits of thorough discovery, the primary focus is on the integrity of the evidence presented, which underpins the entire legal framework. Engaging in this stage also does not primarily serve to ascertain witness credibility; rather, it gathers tangible evidence that can impact witness testimonies or the evidentiary landscape of the case.