Electronic discovery (e-discovery) is the process of identifying, collecting, and producing electronically stored information (ESI) in response to a request for a production of the information in a lawsuit or investigation.
In Maine, electronic discovery (e-discovery) is governed by the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, particularly Rule 26, which aligns with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. These rules establish the legal framework for parties to obtain evidence, including electronically stored information (ESI), during the discovery process in civil litigation. The rules require parties to preserve relevant ESI when litigation is anticipated and outline the procedures for requesting and producing such information. They also address issues such as the scope of e-discovery, the form in which ESI should be produced, and the protection of privileged information. Additionally, the rules provide guidance on how to resolve disputes related to e-discovery, including the imposition of sanctions for failure to comply with e-discovery obligations. It is important for parties involved in litigation in Maine to understand these rules and manage their electronic information accordingly to ensure compliance with e-discovery requirements.