What is an interrogatory in a legal context?

An interrogatory is a legal tool used primarily during the discovery phase of litigation. It consists of a series of written questions that one party sends to another, which must be answered in writing and under oath. This process allows each party to gather information and clarify facts related to the case, helping to build their arguments and prepare for trial.

In contrast, other options refer to different legal concepts: a verbal agreement is informal and lacks the written and sworn nature of interrogatories; a formal request for documents pertains to a different discovery method called a request for production; and a written request for a judge's decision is known as a motion or a petition, which is distinct from the purpose of interrogatories. Understanding interrogatories is critical for legal professionals as they play a significant role in the pre-trial phase, facilitating transparency and potentially guiding the direction of a case.