Interrogatory

Interrogatory is a legal term referring to a formal written question that one party in a legal case presents to another party, requiring a response under oath. This method is used primarily during the discovery phase of litigation, allowing parties to gather evidence and information pertinent to the case. Interrogatories must be answered in writing and may seek clarification about facts, opinions, or other critical details relevant to the legal proceedings.

Interrogatory meaning with examples

• In the ongoing lawsuit, the plaintiff submitted a series of interrogatories to the defendant, seeking detailed information about their business practices and financial records. This method ensured that the court had a clear understanding of the case background for a fair judgment.
• During the deposition, the attorney utilized interrogatory questions to clarify statements made by the witness earlier. The precise wording of these questions helped to uncover discrepancies and ensured that the witness remained consistent in their testimony.
• The defendant's attorney filed objections against the opposing party’s interrogatories, arguing that they were overly broad and not relevant to the case. This legal maneuver was intended to protect the defendant from disclosing unnecessary or potentially damaging information.
• After receiving the plaintiff's interrogatories, the defense team meticulously crafted their responses, ensuring that each answer was comprehensive yet concise. This careful approach aimed to prevent any potential ambiguity that could be exploited in court.
• The court ordered both parties to engage in a comprehensive exchange of interrogatories, believing that this step would expedite the discovery process. Facilitated communication was crucial in narrowing down the issues and could potentially lead to a settlement.