Under Rule 26(b), which statement is true about discovery limits?

Under Rule 26(b), which statement is true about discovery limits?

• A. It must be relevant and non-privileged
• B. It must be admissible at trial
• C. It cannot be unduly burdensome or expensive
• D. It may be sought even if irrelevant

Answer: (C)

Discovery under Rule 26(b) is guided by relevance, privilege, and proportionality. Information sought must be nonprivileged and relevant to the case, but courts also ensure the request is proportional to the needs of the case, considering factors like the amount in controversy, the importance of the issues, and the burden or expense of the discovery. The key limit highlighted here is that discovery cannot be unduly burdensome or expensive; if a request imposes an excessive burden relative to its likely usefulness, it can be curtailed or denied. This balancing act—providing access to relevant information while avoiding unreasonable costs or effort—best captures the essence of the limits on discovery.

Discovery under Rule 26(b) is guided by relevance, privilege, and proportionality. Information sought must be nonprivileged and relevant to the case, but courts also ensure the request is proportional to the needs of the case, considering factors like the amount in controversy, the importance of the issues, and the burden or expense of the discovery. The key limit highlighted here is that discovery cannot be unduly burdensome or expensive; if a request imposes an excessive burden relative to its likely usefulness, it can be curtailed or denied. This balancing act—providing access to relevant information while avoiding unreasonable costs or effort—best captures the essence of the limits on discovery.