Final answer:
In a lawsuit, a request for documents directed to a party is known as discovery, specifically a request for production of documents, which is part of the disclosure process in the adversarial judicial system.
Step-by-step explanation:
A request for documents directed to a party in a lawsuit is called discovery, specifically, a request for production of documents. This is a common practice in the adversarial judicial system, allowing both the plaintiff and the defendant to have access to the evidence and information that may be used in a case. During a lawsuit, either side may file a request for production, seeking documents that are relevant to the case. This is part of the broader disclosure process where parties must openly share evidence. It is a critical tool for building a case as it enables the requesting party to gather information that may not be readily accessible otherwise.