What does the term discovery refer to in a legal context?

In a legal context, discovery refers to the pretrial phase during which parties to a lawsuit exchange information and evidence that is relevant to the case. This process allows both sides to gather facts, review documents, and identify witnesses that will support their arguments. The purpose of discovery is to ensure that all parties have access to the same information, which promotes a fair trial and helps prevent surprises during proceedings.

The exchange of evidence and information is critical because it enables each party to understand the other side's case and to prepare for trial effectively. This process typically includes depositions, interrogatories, requests for documents, and admissions, all of which are tools used to obtain necessary information.

Other options mention important aspects of the legal process, such as witnesses and jury selection, but they do not accurately capture the comprehensive nature of discovery as it pertains to the exchange of evidence. Filing of charges, on the other hand, is an entirely different aspect of legal proceedings that occurs prior to the discovery phase, emphasizing how discovery specifically focuses on the pretrial exchange of materials rather than the initiation of a case or identification of jurors.