Interrogatories are written questions posed to a party in a legal proceeding, such as a divorce, or a criminal trial. They are typically sent to the other party in the case, and must be answered under oath. In civil cases, the questions are answered in writing and the answers become part of the trial record. In criminal cases, the party is required to appear before the court and answer the questions under oath.
Interrogatories are a common discovery tool used by attorneys to prepare for trial. They are used to gain information about the opposing party, such as financial information, or to uncover potential evidence that may be used in the case. They are also used to confirm or deny the truth of certain statements or allegations. The opposing party has an obligation to answer the questions fully and honestly. Failure to answer the questions or providing false or incomplete information can result in sanctions, such as being held in contempt of court.
Interrogatories have been used for centuries in the legal system. In the United States, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure allow for interrogatories, as do the rules of the various states. The rules vary by jurisdiction, but generally require that interrogatories are sent in writing, that they are answered in writing and under oath, and that they are answered within a certain period of time.
Interrogatories are an important part of the discovery process in civil and criminal cases. They can be used to uncover evidence, to confirm or deny certain facts, and to gain an understanding of the opposing party’s case. They can also be used to gain an understanding of the opposing party’s witnesses and other potential witnesses.
References
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.law.cornell.edu/rules/frcp
Interrogatories. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/interrogatories
MacDonald, M. (2020). Interrogatories in a civil case. Retrieved from https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/interrogatories-civil-case.html
Robson, S. (2020). What are interrogatories? Retrieved from https://www.hg.org/legal-articles/what-are-interrogatories-35883