During the discovery phase of litigation, parties may be given the opportunity to conduct “fishing expeditions” or to request information from each other. Depending on the circumstances, the other party might object to the discovery or even the requests. However, in general, fishing expeditions are acceptable under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26 (b) (1). Despite its pejorative connotation, fishing expeditions are a commonly used tactic during the discovery phase of a case.
A fishing expedition, or fish hunt, refers to an intrusive search for incriminating information or evidence. It often involves the police or other governmental or regulatory agencies. Usually, the targets of such an investigation are members of one political party. Alternatively, the term is used to describe an investigation without a clearly defined scope or aim.
While “fishing expeditions” can be a common legal tactic, they can also be an effective means of intimidation, harassment, and even a witch hunt. If a party suspects that a fishing expedition is being conducted, they can request that the judge intervene. In some cases, the judge will order a cease and desist to the fishing expedition. He can also issue a warning about similar episodes of behavior in the future.
A fishing expedition, if properly organized, can provide important information. It can allow the parties to obtain discovery regarding any matter of importance. The questions asked during the process can be vague, but they may yield useful information. For example, if the researcher is testing every possible variable, they might discover that all of the evidence supports a particular hypothesis. This may be valuable for use during the trial.
One of the most popular sources of fishing expeditions has been social media. Often, parties will use social media to find out information that would be inconvenient to get in the legal system. Likewise, an insurance firm might use fishing expeditions to drive up legal expenses. They might also dump interrogatories on the plaintiff.
When attorneys draft a complaint or claim, they should consider their client’s goals when drafting. They should also consider the discovery objectives. Sometimes, a well-pledged complaint can make the difference between winning or losing a case. But when a fishing expedition is unchecked, it can be a waste of time and money.
Ultimately, there are many things to keep in mind when conducting a fishing expedition. If the search is being performed by an unqualified or biased party, the information obtained might not be admissible in court. At the same time, if the process is unreasonably extensive, it may derail the resolution of the case. Lastly, if no response is received, it is acceptable under certain privacy statutes.
The best way to avoid a fishing expedition is to understand the rules. To begin, a legal team must be aware of the meaning of the terms “fishing expedition” and “discovery” before they can implement them. Although a fishing expedition is a broader term, its most popular uses are in the discovery phase of a lawsuit.