(a) Discovery Methods. Discovery is a pre-trial procedure for obtaining information and evidence in a lawsuit.Virginia family law cases feature several forms of discovery. In criminal cases a defendant is able to get certain information about their case from the prosecutor before they go to trial. This is called "discovery. This is a formal request for discovery under the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia. This document sets forth the policy on discovery in criminal cases for the United States. Discovery is the formal process of exchanging information between parties about the witnesses and evidence they'll present at trial. That the parties disclose certain information without awaiting a discovery request. This is the formal process of exchanging information between the parties about the witnesses and evidence they ll present at trial.