Opinion ID: 2354141
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 14

Heading: When discovery is necessary

Text: ¶ 90 When the agency fails to make a prima facie case or when the requester effectively rebuts the agency's prima facie case or shows bad faith, discovery may be necessary. ¶ 91 When discovery is appropriate, several principles regarding discovery in general can be utilized to ensure that discovery conforms to the rights and obligations under the PRA. In some respects, this can create some tension between the provisions for liberal discovery, and the sometimes narrow reach of the PRA. For example, when a requester asks for records of a specific type, this should not serve as a springboard for a broad exploration through discovery into matters not related to the request. There are several principles of discovery that can serve to ensure that discovery is related to the purposes and provisions of the PRA, the specific public records request at issue, and whether additional issues arise, such as motivation if penalties are in question. ¶ 92 These include: When discovery is appropriate, the trial judge may grant or deny a motion to compel discovery in the exercise of sound discretion. See Rhinehart v. Seattle Times, 98 Wash.2d 226, 654 P.2d 673 (1982). A discovery request must be relevant to the subject matter of the suit. CR 26(b)(1). A discovery request must be reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence. Id. If improper discovery requests are made, a party can seek a protective order. CR 26(c); see Rhinehart, 98 Wash.2d at 256-57, 654 P.2d 673 (trial court's decision regarding issuance of a protective order is within the trial court's discretion). A trial court may, on its own initiative, act to limit abusive discovery. CR 26(b). A trial court exercises broad discretion in imposing discovery sanctions. Mayer v. Sto Indus., Inc., 156 Wash.2d 677, 684, 132 P.3d 115 (2006). ¶ 93 When granted, discovery should be well managed in PRA cases, as indeed, it should be in all cases.