What is included in a 'discovery plan'?

A discovery plan is a critical component of the pretrial phase in legal proceedings, outlining how the parties will obtain and exchange information relevant to the case. Among the elements included in a discovery plan, the schedule for exchanging pretrial information is particularly important. This schedule delineates specific timelines and deadlines for parties to disclose documents, responses to interrogatories, and other forms of evidence. It ensures that the discovery process is organized and conducted efficiently, allowing both parties adequate time to prepare their cases.

In contrast, the final rulings of a case pertain to the outcome after a trial has concluded, while compensation agreed upon by parties would typically be part of settlement negotiations rather than the discovery phase. A list of potential witnesses is also relevant but does not encapsulate the scope of a discovery plan, which is more focused on the timing and method of exchanges rather than just identifying witnesses. Thus, the correct answer highlights the essential procedural aspect of the discovery process, emphasizing the importance of having a structured timeline for exchanging pretrial information.