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On May 27, 2026, significant changes were implemented in Indiana civil practice, specifically in the realm of discovery rules. These changes aim to streamline the litigation process, reduce costs, and improve efficiency in the state's court system.One of the key modifications involves the limitation on the number of interrogatories, requests for production of documents, and requests for admission that each party can serve on the opposing party. The new rule caps the number of each type of discovery request to 15, with additional requests requiring a showing of good cause. This change is designed to prevent parties from inundating each other with overly broad or burdensome discovery requests, which often lead to unnecessary delays in the resolution of cases.Furthermore, the new rules also emphasize the importance of proportionality in discovery. Parties are now required to tailor their discovery requests to the specific needs of the case, taking into account factors such as the amount in controversy, the complexity of the issues involved, and the resources of the parties. This approach is intended to ensure that the discovery process is efficient and cost-effective, while still allowing parties to obtain the information they need to prepare their case.In addition to these changes, the new rules also address the issue of electronically stored information (ESI) in discovery. Parties are now required to discuss and reach agreement on the preservation and production of ESI early in the litigation process, with the goal of minimizing disputes and promoting cooperation between the parties. This proactive approach to ESI is expected to lead to smoother and more efficient discovery practices in Indiana courts.Overall, these changes in Indiana civil practice represent a significant step towards modernizing and improving the state's legal system. By promoting efficiency, reducing costs, and emphasizing cooperation between parties, these new rules are designed to benefit both litigants and the court system as a whole. Time will tell how these changes will impact the practice of law in Indiana, but initial reactions from legal practitioners have been largely positive.