Interrogatories allow the parties to ask who, what, when, where and why questions, making them a good method for obtaining new information in a case. There are two types of interrogatories: form interrogatories and special interrogatories.
Interrogatories are lists of questions sent to the other party that s/he must respond to in writing. You can use interrogatories to find out facts about a case but they cannot be used for questions that draw a legal conclusion.
Rule 197.1. Interrogatories (1999) A party may serve on another party no later than 30 days before the end of the discovery period - written interrogatories to inquire about any matter within the scope of discovery except matters covered by Rule 195.
You can use interrogatories to find out facts about a case but they cannot be used for questions that draw a legal conclusion.
For interrogatories, action words such as “list,” “describe,” “identify,” or “state” are very useful. You may ask the other side to identify a document but you cannot use this form of discovery to get them to give it to you. Requesting documents requires a different kind of discovery process.
Interrogatories are written questions sent by one party in a lawsuit to another party in that same suit, which the responding party must answer under penalty of perjury. Interrogatories allow the parties to ask who, what, when, where and why questions, making them a good method for obtaining new information.
Interrogatories may, without leave of court, be served upon the plaintiff after filing of the complaint and upon any other party with or after service of the summons and complaint upon that party.
A photocopy of your form interrogatories must be served on the attorney for the responding party or directly to the responding party if he or she is self-represented (in pro per). Courtesy copies should be served on all other attorneys or self-represented parties in the case.
Interrogatories may, without leave of court, be served upon the plaintiff after filing of the complaint and upon any other party with or after service of the summons and complaint upon that party.
Interrogatories can be quicker, less costly, and less complicated than depositions, but there are downsides. Since the questions are written, the witness may have more time to think and craft answers, rather than providing more candid answers during discovery.