What is an interrogatory in the context of a lawsuit?

An interrogatory in the context of a lawsuit refers to a written question that one party sends to another party, requiring a formal written response. This discovery tool is designed to gather information pertinent to the case, allowing parties to clarify issues, obtain facts, and ascertain the opposing party's stance. Interrogatories are often used to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the case, making them a crucial part of the pre-trial process.

In this context, they differ significantly from other types of inquiries like verbal questions asked in court, which happen during testimony and are not typically categorized as interrogatories. Similarly, informal interviews with witnesses do not follow the formal requirements and processes of interrogatories, which must adhere to specific rules regarding format and timing. Finally, a closing argument is a summation of a party's case presented at the trial's conclusion, distinctly separate from the discovery processes. Thus, identifying interrogatories as written questions requiring a formal response accurately captures their function within civil procedure.