Opinion ID: 2363701
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 12

Heading: Other Theories of Relevance

Text: This holding does not mean that some of KaMMCO's records are not discoverable. There are alternative arguments as to why many of the discovery requests are reasonably calculated to lead to admissible evidence. In fact, another broad argument raised by Allen relates to Dr. Macy's potential bias arising from information received from KaMMCO regarding the role of expert witnesses in claims. As recognized in Jones, 243 Kan. at 455, 759 P.2d 953, K.S.A.2009 Supp. 60-226(b) allows discovery regarding the basis for an expert opinion. Hence, information received from KaMMCO, although perhaps subject to other objections, could satisfy a relevancy test on the grounds the information may lead to evidence of what influenced Dr. Macy's opinions. Yet, not all of the discovery demands can be explained by this theory of relevancy. This is where the shotgun approach to argument fails to cover the entire target. We could continue with a paragraph by paragraph analysis of the discovery request and supply our own reasons why a request may or may not be relevant, but the record is simply inadequate for us to go further in evaluating Allen's theories as to why the standard of K.S.A.2009 Supp. 60-226(b) is met by any of the requests. Similarly, we are unable to link specific relevancy (or, as we discuss later, privilege) objections espoused by KaMMCO to specific paragraphs of the request. This lack of specificity exists even though this discovery dispute spanned almost a year of written arguments and hearings before the district court and then the parties had the opportunity to focus their arguments before us. Given this, we are sympathetic to the obvious frustration of the district court in this matter. Arguably, we could conclude that Allen failed to meet her burden and quash the subpoena on this ground. But this ignores the apparent legitimacy of some of the discovery under the articulated theory that KaMMCO information might serve as a basis for Dr. Macy's opinions. Consequently, rather than quash the entire subpoena based on relevancy, we conclude a remand is necessary. On remand, if Allen wishes to pursue any of the proposed discovery, she should articulate how each category of requested information is likely to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence. KaMMCO should then raise specific relevancy objections so that the district court can perform the first duty stated in Berst to separate and permit discovery of only relevant documents. If it becomes necessary to review documents in order to fulfill this or other duties imposed in Berst, we remind the district court and the parties of the option to use a master. See K.S.A.2009 Supp. 60-216; K.S.A.2009 Supp. 60-253.