Interrogatory

Definition

Written questions that must be answered under oath during discovery, theoretically to narrow issues but functionally to bury opponents in paperwork.

Example Usage

We served 150 interrogatories, including the helpful 'describe in detail all communications regarding this matter' question.

Origin

From Latin 'interrogare,' meaning to question or ask

Fun Fact

Most jurisdictions limit interrogatories to 25 without court permission, though creative attorneys find workarounds

Source: Discovery and procedure terminology

Related Terms

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respondent

The official legal term for the person on the receiving end of a petition or appeal, essentially the defendant with a fancier title. In market research, it's someone who actually bothered to fill out your survey instead of immediately closing the tab. Either way, they're responding to something, whether it's legal action or questions about their toilet paper preferences.

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Locus Standi

Latin for 'place to stand'—legal standing or the right to bring a lawsuit, essentially requiring you to be affected by the injury rather than just being a concerned busybody.

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tortious interference

The legal term for when someone deliberately sabotages your business relationships or contracts, giving you grounds to sue them for being a professional backstabber. It's the law recognizing that some people need to be sued for being terrible.

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default judgment

A binding judgment in favor of the plaintiff when the defendant fails to respond or appear, essentially winning by forfeit. The legal equivalent of victory by no-show.

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pleaded

The act of formally responding to legal charges or begging someone really, really nicely for something (often mercy). In court, it's how you tell the judge "guilty," "not guilty," or "it's complicated" in official legal speak. Defense attorneys do this professionally while standing up straight and trying to look convincing.

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promissory

Containing a promise or pledge of future action, most famously in 'promissory note'—that IOU your friend gave you that you'll never actually collect on. In legal contracts, these provisions bind parties to specific future obligations. It's the contractual equivalent of pinky swearing, except enforceable in court.

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