What is an interrogatory in the context of legal discovery?

In the context of legal discovery, an interrogatory refers to a formal set of written questions that one party sends to another party, which must be answered in writing and under oath. This tool is utilized to gather relevant information about the case and clarify the positions and arguments of the opposing party. Interrogatories are significant in the discovery process because they enable attorneys to obtain essential facts, details about the other party's claims or defenses, and to probe for information that may not be readily available through other means.

In practice, the responses to interrogatories can provide insights that influence the direction of the case and can even be used in court if the case progresses to that stage. It’s important to note that interrogatories are distinct from other discovery methods, such as document requests, oral depositions, or requests for admissions, each serving different purposes in the litigation process.