Legal Dictionary
Interrogatories
Definition
A written question that is formally put to one party in a case by another party and that must be answered.
Deep Dive
Interrogatories are a formal set of written questions posed by one party in a civil lawsuit to another party, which must be answered under oath within a specified timeframe. They are a critical tool in the discovery phase of litigation, designed to gather factual information, clarify issues, identify witnesses, and pinpoint the opposing party's legal theories and defenses. The answers provided in response to interrogatories help both sides to narrow down disputed facts, prepare for depositions, and build their case for trial or settlement negotiations.
Examples & Use Cases
- 1In a personal injury lawsuit, the plaintiff sent interrogatories to the defendant asking for details about their insurance coverage and any prior accidents.
- 2A software company, suing for breach of contract, sent interrogatories to a former client to ascertain the exact dates and nature of services rendered.
- 3During a product liability case, the defendant manufacturer responded to interrogatories detailing their product's design specifications and safety testing procedures.
Related Terms
DiscoveryDepositionRequest for Production