interrogatory

This is not just any question. In most cases, it means a formal written question used in a legal case. One side sends a list of clear questions to the other side, and the answers must usually be given in writing and under oath. It is part of the fact-finding process before trial, helping each side understand the other side's claims, evidence, and witnesses. The word can also appear as an adjective, as in an "interrogatory glance," but the legal meaning is the one most people mean.

The term "interrogatory" comes from the Latin interrogare, meaning "to ask." In modern legal practice, it is one of the basic tools of discovery, the stage before trial when both sides gather facts and evidence. Unlike the dramatic face-to-face questioning you see in movies, an interrogatory is usually a formal written question, or a set of written questions. One side serves these questions on the other side, and the receiving party must answer in writing, often under oath. These questions may ask for names, dates, events, documents, or other details that matter to the case.

For example, an interrogatory might state: "Identify all individuals who have personal knowledge regarding the maintenance of the vehicle involved in the accident." The answers provided are sworn to be true, meaning they can be used to impeach a witness if their story changes later in court.

Outside law, the word can also be used as an adjective to describe something that has the character of a question, such as an "interrogatory glance" or an "interrogatory tone." That use is much less common. Today, if you hear someone talk about "serving interrogatories," they almost always mean a formal part of a legal case in which written questions are used to clarify facts and prepare for trial.