What do interrogatories refer to in legal terms?

Interrogatories are a specific type of discovery tool used in the legal process, consisting of written questions posed by one party to another in a lawsuit. These questions are designed to gather information relevant to the case and must be answered in writing and under oath. The purpose of interrogatories is to facilitate the gathering of evidence and to allow parties to obtain important facts from each other before trial.

This process is governed by rules in civil procedure, which typically set limits on the number of questions and outline the timeframe for responses. By using interrogatories, parties can clarify issues, identify witnesses, and prepare their arguments ahead of court proceedings, making them an integral component of legal discovery.