What is Protective Order (Discovery)?
A court order that limits the scope of discovery requests or restricts the use and disclosure of sensitive information produced during the discovery process.
Understanding Protective Order (Discovery)
Protective orders in discovery are used to shield confidential business information, medical records, trade secrets, or other sensitive material from public disclosure. A party seeking a protective order must show good cause, such as potential embarrassment, competitive harm, or privacy concerns. The order may require that documents be marked confidential and restrict who can access them.
Examples
- 1Order protecting plaintiff's detailed medical records from public disclosure
- 2Protective order covering proprietary business information in a product liability case
- 3Court limiting overly broad discovery requests that invade privacy
Related Terms
Discovery
The pre-trial phase in a lawsuit where each party can obtain evidence from the opposing party through various methods including interrogatories, depositions, and requests for documents.
Interrogatories
Written questions sent to the opposing party that must be answered under oath as part of the discovery process.
Requests for Production
A discovery tool requiring the opposing party to produce documents, records, photographs, and other tangible evidence relevant to the case.
Subpoena
A court order that compels a person to appear and give testimony at a deposition or trial, or to produce documents and other evidence.
Statute of Limitations
A law that sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. Once the statute of limitations expires, the claim is typically barred forever.
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