Simple English definitions for legal terms
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A core work product is something that a lawyer or someone working for a lawyer creates to help with a legal case. It can be something written down or something that was said out loud. This work product is usually kept secret and cannot be shown to the other side in the case. There are two types of core work product: fact work product, which includes only facts and can sometimes be shown to the other side if they really need it, and opinion work product, which includes the lawyer's thoughts and ideas and is almost always kept secret.
Core work product refers to tangible or intangible material that was either prepared by or for a lawyer, or prepared for litigation. This includes any material that is planned or in progress, and is generally exempt from discovery or other compelled disclosure. The term is also used to describe the products of a party's investigation or communications concerning the subject matter of a lawsuit if made to assist in the prosecution or defense of a pending suit, or in reasonable anticipation of litigation.
These examples illustrate core work product because they are materials that were prepared by or for a lawyer, or prepared for litigation. They are also exempt from discovery or other compelled disclosure, unless the party seeking discovery can show a substantial need for the materials.