Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Virginia

Discovery in a Civil proceeding

Do I have the right, as a defendant, to have pre-trial access to a plaintiff's evidence through discovery, as in a criminal trial?


Asked on 5/30/07, 4:15 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Discovery in a Civil proceeding

No, you do not. In Virginia, discovery in the General District Court(and all courts not of record) is normally limited to the use of subpoena duces tecum(wich may also be served upon a party). VA. Sup.Ct.Rule 7:4(a) A BOP (Bill of Particulars) may also be sought in order to require further clarification of the basis or grounds for a particular claim.

In the Circuit Court, the scope of allowable discovery is considerably greater than in the General District Court, but even in this forum, a defendant has no particular right to direct access to a plaintiff's evidence

except what can be acquired through the

standard discovery tools permitted under the Virginia Supreme Court Rules applicable to courts of record such as interrogatories, depositions, and requests for admission.

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Answered on 5/31/07, 9:12 am
Ruth Emily Kochard Ruth Emily Kochard, Counselor at Law

Re: Discovery in a Civil proceeding

Yes, pursuant to the relevant statutes various forms of discovery may occur. I would consult an attorney directly for more in depth guidance.

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Answered on 5/30/07, 5:25 pm


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