What does "discovery" refer to in a legal context?

In a legal context, "discovery" refers to the systematic process through which parties involved in litigation exchange relevant information and evidence. This phase is crucial for ensuring that both sides have access to the facts and materials that may influence the outcome of the case. It allows for the gathering of testimonial evidence, documents, and other pertinent information that may be used in court.

Discovery serves multiple purposes, such as promoting fairness, preventing surprises during the trial, and encouraging settlement discussions based on a clearer understanding of the facts. Through tools such as interrogatories (written questions), depositions (oral questioning under oath), requests for production of documents, and requests for admissions, each party can build a detailed understanding of the case before it goes to trial.

The other options relate to different phases of the legal process but do not define discovery. Jury selection is about choosing unbiased jurors for a trial; the trial phase focuses on presenting and arguing evidence in court; while the sentencing phase occurs after a conviction, determining the penalty for the defendant. Each of these elements is important in the overall legal process, but they do not encompass the concept of discovery itself.