In many civil actions, before the case is resolved there takes place a process known as pretrial discovery. This summary describes this process.Discovery and production of documents and things for inspection, testing, copying or photographing. Discovery is the process of gathering and exchanging evidence for a court case from the other side. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that pursuant to Rule 3120 of the Civil Practice Law and Rules,. (This device is also referred to as a notice of discovery and inspection). The demand must define the items sought with reasonable particularity. And since a party may serve a subpoena along with the notice for depositions, the earliest a party can subpoena a nonparty for a deposition on. Notice of Lawsuit, Summons, Subpoena. Commission in New York; and, the Office of California.