What is a protective order in discovery?

• A. A court order limiting discovery to protect privacy, privileged information, or undue burden.
• B. A directive to expedite trial by shortening procedures.
• C. An order to compel discovery on all issues.
• D. An order delaying discovery indefinitely.

Answer: (A)

A protective order in discovery is a court order that restricts or shapes the discovery process to safeguard important interests such as privacy, privileged information, or to prevent undue burden or expense. In North Carolina, this authority comes from Rule 26(c). A party can seek a protective order when ordinary discovery would invade privacy, expose confidential or sensitive information, or impose an undue burden. The court can then limit or condition discovery—for example, by designating certain materials as confidential, restricting who may view them, requiring redaction or sealing, or limiting the scope or number of depositions. This concept captures why the answer describes a protective order as a court order that limits discovery to protect privacy, privileged information, or undue burden.