A subpoena is an order that directs an individual to appear at a hearing or to hand over specified documents. Discovery: Discovery is the part of the process where the parties to the lawsuit exchange information such as documents, records, access to witnesses and other types of evidence. Additionally, a party may request that the other party agree to certain facts to move the case along.
Other forms of discovery include written interrogatories (questions) and written requests for production of documents.
A deposition is the testimony of a witness taken under oath outside the courtroom