Which of the following methods is NOT included in the discovery rules in Georgia?

In the context of discovery rules in Georgia, the correct answer pertains to summary judgment motions, which are not a part of the discovery process. Discovery is primarily designed to allow parties to obtain information from each other prior to trial, facilitating a fair and informed legal process.

The methods of discovery that are included in the Georgia discovery rules are interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions. Interrogatories are written questions that one party sends to another that must be answered in writing. Requests for production allow parties to request documents and other tangible items from each other. Depositions involve taking sworn, out-of-court testimony from a witness, which is recorded for later use in court.

Each of these methods serves to gather pertinent information and evidence to support claims or defenses in a legal case. Summary judgment motions, on the other hand, are legal motions filed by a party asking the court to rule in their favor without a trial, on the basis that there are no material facts in dispute. While important in litigation, summary judgment motions fall under substantive litigation practices rather than the discovery process itself.