fishing expedition

Also known as a "fishing trip." Using the courts to find out information beyond the fair scope of the lawsuit. The loose, vague, unfocused questioning of a witness or the overly broad use of the discovery process. Discovery sought on general, loose, and vague allegations, or on suspicion, surmise, or vague guesses. The scope of discovery may be restricted by protective orders as provided for by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

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fishing expedition noun careless inquisition, careless probe, comprehensive research, comprehensive study, commrehensive survey, fundamental research, investigation with reckless abandon, reckless inquiry, reckless investigation, reckless pursuit, wanton examination, wanton exploration, wanton inquest, widespread scrutiny, widespread search, wild inquest
Associated concepts: prosecutorial misconduct