In civil litigation, what is the purpose of "discovery"?

The purpose of "discovery" in civil litigation is to gather evidence and share information relevant to the case. This phase is critical as it allows both parties to obtain facts, documents, and other evidence that may be necessary to support their claims or defenses. By facilitating the exchange of relevant information, discovery aims to promote fairness by minimizing surprises at trial and allowing both sides to prepare adequately.

Discovery tools, such as interrogatories, depositions, and requests for production of documents, help each side to understand the opposing party's position and the evidence they might present. This process also encourages settlement discussions, as a clearer understanding of the case's strengths and weaknesses can lead to resolutions without the need for a trial.

Other choices mentioned do not encapsulate the primary aim of discovery. For instance, while finalizing court dates is part of trial preparation, it does not relate to the evidence-gathering purpose of discovery. Similarly, assessing financial status and establishing witness credibility could occur during litigation but are not the fundamental reasons for the discovery process itself.