3.2 Discovery
3.2 取证
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.
在审判开始前，当事人通常进行取证，以便通过这一程序获取与诉讼主体--争议有关的事实。
The discovery involves deposition (questioning in person of witnesses who have knowledge of the subject matter of the dispute),
取证包括录取证言（亲自询问了解诉讼争议的证人）,
interrogatory (written questions prepared by the attorney of one side and sent to the attorney of other side for answers),
书面质询（由一方的律师准备书面问题，送至另一方的律师以获取对这些问题的回答）,
and production and inspection of documents in the possession of the other (including records, transcripts and other forms of evidentiary matters).
出示和检查另一方拥有的文件（包括录音磁带、记录及其他证明文件）。
Courts usually do not participate in the discovery process.
通常情况下法庭不介入取证程序。
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.
《联邦民事诉讼规则》和各州法院的诉讼规则都详细规定了取证的程序规则。
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),
在取证中发现的事实可以由当事人用来：向联邦或州法院提出审前动议，要求撤销案件（称即决判决动议），
in which one or more parties argue that a decision can be rendered before trial since there are no disputed questions of facts；
当事人可以称由于没有事实争议，法院可以在正式提审前作出裁决；
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.
或为正式开庭做准备；或帮助当事人正确估计自己的情况以便能达成和解。