What does eDiscovery refer to in terms of civil litigation?

eDiscovery, in the context of civil litigation, is primarily concerned with the process of identifying, collecting, and producing electronically stored information (ESI) relevant to a legal case. It encompasses various forms of electronic communication, which can include emails, documents, databases, social media, and other forms of digital content.

The choice regarding demands for production of documents aligns with eDiscovery as it refers to the legal obligation to provide relevant evidence in the form requested by opposing parties. This process is crucial for ensuring that all evidence is available for review during litigation, and it reflects the legal framework governing how parties must interact regarding evidence in civil cases.

While the analysis of metadata, retrieval of physical evidence, or the discovery of electronic communication are important aspects of the broader eDiscovery process, they do not encapsulate the full definition as neatly as the production of documents. Instead, they represent specific components or methods used within the comprehensive eDiscovery framework. Thus, focusing on the demands for production of documents accurately captures the essence of eDiscovery in civil litigation, demonstrating its vital role in the legal process.