Covell v. Superior Court

Opinion

FEINERMAN, P. J.

Petitioner seeks an extraordinary writ restraining respondent court from enforcing an order compelling further answers on deposition. Following receipt of opposition to the petition (rule 56, Cal. Rules of Court), we issued an alternative writ to consider whether evidence of settlement offers or discussions can be a proper subject of discovery.

The salient facts are as follows: In January 1975, real parties in interest filed a lawsuit against petitioner and others (the earlier action). In February 1980, that suit was terminated by entry of judgment in favor of…