Under Rule 26(b)(1), what types of information may be discoverable?

• A. Information that is relevant, proportional to the needs of the case, and not privileged
• B. All information in the possession of a party
• C. Only information obtained via depositions
• D. Public records only

Answer: (A)

The main concept is that discovery under Rule 26(b)(1) covers information that is relevant to any party’s claim or defense, is proportional to the needs of the case, and is not privileged. Relevance means the material must be capable of influencing the outcome on the issues. Proportionality adds a balancing test: the importance of the issues, the amount in controversy, the parties’ resources, the value of the discovery in addressing the issues, and whether the burden or expense of the discovery is justified. The “not privileged” part blocks discovery of information protected by privileges (like attorney-client or work product), even if it’s relevant.

That’s why the correct description fits best: information that is relevant, proportional to the case, and not privileged. The other options are too narrow or too broad: discovery is not unlimited to everything a party possesses, it isn’t restricted to depositions alone, and it isn’t limited to public records.