Except as otherwise provided by R. 5:5-1 (discovery in family actions), parties may obtain discovery by one or more of the following methods: Depositions upon oral examination or written questions; written interrogatories; production of documents or things; permission to enter upon land or other property, for inspection and other purposes; physical and mental examinations; and requests for admissions. Unless the court orders otherwise under R. 4:10-3, the frequency of use of these methods is not limited.
Rule 4:10-1.Discovery Methods
Last amended December 31, 1983 · Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 7, 2026
In one sentenceRule 4:10-1 lists the discovery methods available to parties — depositions, interrogatories, document production, entry on land, physical and mental examinations, and requests for admissions — and provides that their frequency is not limited unless the court orders otherwise.
Full Text of Rule 4:10-1
Amendment History
New Jersey publishes each rule’s amendment record in a “History” note beneath the rule. It is reproduced verbatim below; the “R.R.” citations refer to the former Revised Rules numbering the current rules replaced.
Former rule deleted (see R. 4:14-1) and new R. 4:10-1 adopted July 14, 1972 to be effective September 5, 1972; amended December 20, 1983 to be effective December 31, 1983.
Plain-English Summary
This rule opens New Jersey’s discovery chapter by naming the tools. Parties may obtain discovery by depositions on oral examination or written questions, written interrogatories, production of documents or things, permission to enter land or property for inspection, physical and mental examinations, and requests for admissions. Each method has its own detailed rule that follows.
The methods are broadly available. Their frequency of use is not limited, unless the court orders otherwise under Rule 4:10-3, which allows protective orders. Discovery in family actions follows its own rule instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What discovery methods are available in New Jersey?
Depositions on oral examination or written questions, written interrogatories, production of documents or things, entry on land for inspection, physical and mental examinations, and requests for admissions.
Is there a limit on how much discovery a party can take?
The frequency of use of these methods is not limited unless the court orders otherwise under Rule 4:10-3, which authorizes protective orders.
Source & verification. The rule text and amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the
official New Jersey Rules of Court (N.J. Ct. R. 4:10-1). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey (N.J. Const. art. VI, § 2, ¶ 3). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 7, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: discovery methodstypes of discoverydepositions interrogatoriesscope of discovery