fishing expedition
A fishing expedition generally refers to an investigation, an inquiry, or a request for information that is excessively broad or insufficiently focused, particularly when it is initiated in an effort to find something useful without a specific factual basis for seeking it. In the legal context, the term is often used to criticize overbroad or speculative discovery requests in litigation. While discovery permits parties to obtain information and documents relevant to particular claims or defenses, discovery requests may involve substantial quantities of information, including sensitive or confidential material; therefore, courts often have rules and procedures permitting parties to object to certain requests or to seek limits on discovery. Depending on the context, parties may be able to object to requests that are relevant, overly broad, unduly burdensome, or otherwise inappropriate. The specific standards and procedures vary by jurisdiction and the type of proceeding.
[Last reviewed in September of 2026 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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