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3.2 Discovery
3.2 取證
Before the actual trial begins, parties usually engage in discovery, a process for obtaining the facts concerning the dispute which is the subject of the lawsuit.
在審判開始前，當事人通常進行取證，以便通過這一程序獲取與訴訟主體--爭議有關的事實。
The discovery involves deposition (questioning in person of witnesses who have knowledge of the subject matter of the dispute),
取證包括錄取證言（親自詢問了解訴訟爭議的證人）,
interrogatory (written questions prepared by the attorney of one side and sent to the attorney of other side for answers),
書面質詢（由一方的律師準備書面問題，送至另一方的律師以獲取對這些問題的回答）,
and production and inspection of documents in the possession of the other (including records, transcripts and other forms of evidentiary matters).
出示和檢查另一方擁有的文件（包括錄音磁帶、記錄及其他證明文件）。
Courts usually do not participate in the discovery process.
通常情況下法庭不介入取證程序。
The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, as well as the rules of procedure established for the court system in each state specify the procedures by which discovery may be conducted.
《聯邦民事訴訟規則》和各州法院的訴訟規則都詳細規定了取證的程序規則。
The facts thus discovered in cases brought in either state or federal court can be used to prepare a pre-trial motion to dispose of the case (called a motion for summary judgment),
在取證中發現的事實可以由當事人用來：向聯邦或州法院提出審前動議，要求撤銷案件（稱即決判決動議），
in which one or more parties argue that a decision can be rendered before trial since there are no disputed questions of facts；
當事人可以稱由于沒有事實爭議，法院可以在正式提審前作出裁決；
to prepare for an actual trial on the merits, or to assist the parties in evaluating the merits or weakness of their cases for settlement purpose.
或為正式開庭做準備；或幫助當事人正確估計自己的情況以便能達成和解。
