Understanding Remedies for Non-Disclosure in Legal Proceedings

When it comes to legal proceedings, clarity is of the utmost importance. You know what? Imagine preparing for a big game and finding out half the playbook was hidden! That’s how it feels when one party in a court case fails to disclose important evidence. It's an unfair advantage that can throw everything off balance, and luckily, the law recognizes this. So, what’s the remedy?

One of the primary ways to address non-disclosure is through a disclosure order or adjournment. Let’s break it down. A disclosure order is like a judge saying, “Hey, you need to share that info!” It compels the party that’s been holding back to present all relevant materials. This process is crucial because it ensures both sides are playing with the same information. Just think about it—the whole framework of a fair trial hinges on both parties knowing the facts. Without access to relevant information, how can anyone argue their case effectively?

Now, sometimes, a judge might feel that the situation is tricky enough that they need to hit pause on the whole thing. This is where an adjournment comes into play. If non-disclosure is suspected to seriously impact the case's fairness, the court can adjourn the hearing. This allows extra time to gather the necessary evidence. It’s sort of like hitting the brakes on a car when you see a bump in the road—you don’t want to jolt yourself or anyone else involved, right?

But, let’s not get sidetracked with what other remedies could look like. Immediate acquittal? That seems a bit extreme, doesn’t it? It would mean a person is let go without fully addressing the case's merits. Just excluding all evidence? That would be like tossing out all the game plans because one was mislaid. And mandatory jail time for attorneys? Well, that hardly seems productive—after all, punishing them doesn’t fix the issue of missing information.

The law steps in as a guide, promoting lawful proceedings by ensuring everyone plays the same game. Disclosure orders and adjournments reflect that integrity. They empower the court to maintain a fair play even when one side stumbles. It’s about creating an environment where justice can truly unfold—because what’s the point of a trial if it's only one-sided? Ensuring all players are on equal footing is foundational for the credibility of the justice system. So, if you’re preparing for the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) Paralegal Practice Exam, keep in mind these remedies are core to understanding the bigger picture of transparency and fairness in legal processes.