What is meant by 'discovery' in civil litigation?

'Discovery' in civil litigation refers to the phase where parties collect evidence before trial. This process is crucial as it allows both sides to investigate the facts of the case, gather necessary information, and assess the strengths and weaknesses of their arguments. During discovery, parties can exchange documents, take depositions (which are sworn out-of-court testimonies), and submit interrogatories (written questions) to each other. This helps ensure that both parties have a fair opportunity to prepare their cases and prevents surprises during the trial.

The other choices represent different aspects of the litigation process that occur at various stages. The final arguments made by each party in court occur during the trial and not during the discovery phase. Sentencing after a trial is relevant to criminal proceedings and involves the imposition of penalties, which is distinctly different from the civil litigation context of discovery. Presenting evidence before a jury is part of the trial process itself, where parties make their case based on the evidence gathered during discovery. Thus, option A accurately captures the essence of what discovery entails within civil litigation.