What type of disclosures are required during litigation?

Full and transparent information sharing is essential during litigation because it ensures that all parties have access to the relevant facts and evidence necessary for a fair trial. This principle supports the adversarial system of justice, where both parties must be able to present their case based on complete information. The goal is to promote justice and prevent surprises during court proceedings, allowing both sides to prepare adequately for their arguments.

In many jurisdictions, the rules governing civil procedure require parties to disclose relevant documents, witness lists, and other evidence to each other well in advance of the trial. This process, known as "discovery," is crucial for establishing the truth of the matters at issue and allowing for the adequate preparation of legal strategies.

When partial information is disclosed or sharing is selective, it can lead to imbalances in the trial process and potentially unjust outcomes. Therefore, maintaining a standard of transparency is vital in upholding the integrity of the legal system.