In the context of a lawsuit, a special interrogatory is a written question posed by one party to the other party during the discovery process. Its purpose is to obtain information and evidence relevant to the case. Occasionally, a party who has received a set of interrogatories may respond with a written question of their own, known as a cross-interrogatory. In certain states, a special interrogatory may also refer to a written question posed to a jury, requiring an answer to complement a general verdict. However, this term is not widely used in federal practice.
A special interrogatory is a written question that is submitted to the opposing party in a lawsuit as part of the discovery process. It is typically included in a series of questions and is utilised to gather information regarding the case. For instance, in a personal injury lawsuit, the plaintiff’s lawyer may present a special interrogatory to the defendant, requesting specific details about the accident, such as the speed of the vehicles involved and the weather conditions at the time of the incident. The defendant is required to provide a written and sworn response to the question. Another type of special interrogatory is a written jury question that necessitates an answer to supplement a general verdict. Although this type of special interrogatory is not employed in federal practice, it is utilised in certain state courts. For example, in a medical malpractice case, the jury may be posed a special interrogatory regarding whether the defendant doctor violated the standard of care. The response to this question would complement the general verdict and aid the judge in determining the outcome of the case.
A special interrogatory is a written question posed by one party to another during the discovery phase of a legal proceeding. It seeks specific information or admission of certain facts relevant to the case.
Regular interrogatories are general questions seeking information about the case, while special interrogatories are more specific and targeted, focusing on particular issues or facts.
Special interrogatories can be used during the discovery phase of a legal proceeding, which typically occurs after the initial pleadings have been filed and before the trial begins.
Yes, there are usually limitations on the number of special interrogatories that can be asked. The specific limits may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the rules of the court.
Yes, the receiving party can object to specific special interrogatories if they believe they are improper, irrelevant, or unduly burdensome. However, objections must be supported by valid legal grounds.
If a party fails to answer special interrogatories within the specified time frame, the opposing party can file a motion to compel, asking the court to order the non-responsive party to provide the requested answers.
Yes, special interrogatories can be used in various types of legal cases, including civil litigation, personal injury claims, employment disputes, and family law matters.
Special interrogatories are primarily used in civil cases. In criminal cases, the prosecution and defence typically rely on other methods of discovery, such as depositions and requests for production of documents.
No, special interrogatories are generally directed towards the parties involved in the lawsuit. If a party wishes to obtain information from a third party, they would typically use other discovery methods, such as subpoenas or depositions.
Special interrogatories should be answered truthfully and to the best of the answering party’s knowledge. If a question cannot be answered fully or accurately, it is important to explain the reasons for the inability to provide a complete response.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
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