What happens to records or documents subject to discovery in civil actions according to the committee's guidelines?

The correct answer highlights that records or documents subject to discovery in civil actions remain confidential unless stated otherwise. This emphasizes the sensitive nature of many documents exchanged during the discovery phase of a civil lawsuit.

In civil litigation, parties may request access to a variety of documents and records to gather evidence that supports their case. However, these documents are not automatically made public; instead, they are typically regarded as confidential to protect sensitive information, trade secrets, or privileged communications. This confidentiality can be maintained through protective orders or stipulations agreed upon by the parties involved.

Maintaining confidentiality is crucial, as it ensures that sensitive information remains private until it is deemed appropriate for disclosure, such as during legal proceedings or as mandated by the court. Thus, the guideline reinforces the principle that access to these records is controlled and not open to public scrutiny unless explicitly allowed. Other options suggest circumstances under which these documents would either become public or be available to all inquiries, which does not align with the intent of protecting confidential information during the discovery process.