This course is a part of:
Certificate Program
Associate's Degree Program
Bachelor's Degree Program

PGL-108: Legal Research, Writing & Civil Litigation
PLG-109: Professional Responsibility and Legal Ethics

E-discovery is the study of process of opposing parties involved in civil litigation giving and receiving information in an electronic format. This course will discuss the process by which information is sought and turned over under the rules of civil procedure by electronic media. The course will focus on litigation holds and responsibilities of parties to avoid spoliation of electronic evidence. The course will also apply the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to e-discovery and specifically discuss how to word interrogatories and requests for production when they apply to electronic information. We will also discuss analyzing and using the results of an e-discovery investigation and process.

Course Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this course, the student will have acquired knowledge of and the skills to:

• Define litigation hold and determine the difference between internal and external holds
• Determine what is ethical behavior when instituting and maintaining litigation holds
• Evaluate digital information and determine what preservation methods may be necessary
• Discuss various elements of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and how they relate to e-discovery
• Help formulate an e-discovery plan
• Define “metadata” and determine what kinds of metadata can be useful
• Advise in the handling of everyday information while conducting routine business in a way that is ethical and intelligent when it comes to planning for possible later litigation
• Protect confidential information from accidental disclosure via social media