Court Opinion

ID: 5733842
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-01-12 16:30:04.349529+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:40:55.718592
License: Public Domain

Steuer, J.,
dissents in the following memorandum: I would affirm. A party is not entitled to a discovery of papers in its own possession or, under ordinary circumstances, of letters which it sent and of which it has copies. Discovery should be allowed where the contention is that the original has been doctored, which is not charged here. Another item is a tape recording of a conversation in which the moving party participated. To permit inspection of the tape would allow him to tailor not only his version of the conversation but of all related incidents to fit what he said. While we favor disclosure and discourage surprise as a tactic, that *468attitude can be overdone, and in this instance it would appear that Special Term exercised a wise discretion in avoiding it. As to the remaining item, it is not clear what document is intended. Settle order on notice.