Interrogatories

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Interrogatory \In`ter*rog"a*to*ry\, n.; pl. {Interrogatories}.
     [Cf. F. interrogatoire.]
     A formal question or inquiry; esp. (Law), a question or
     series of questions asked in writing, usually as part of a
     lawsuit. --Macaulay.
     [1913 Webster]



From Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) [bouvier]:

  INTERROGATORIES. Material and pertinent questions, in writing, to necessary 
  points, not confessed, exhibited for the examination of witnesses or persons 
  who are to give testimony in the cause. 
       2. They are either original and direct on the part, of him who produces 
  the witnesses, or cross and counter, on behalf of the adverse party, to 
  examine witnesses produced on the other side. Either party, plaintiff or 
  defendant, may exhibit original or cross interrogatories. 
       3. The form which interrogatories assume, is as various as the minds of 
  the persons who propound them. They should be as distinct as possible, and 
  capable of a definite answer; and they should leave no loop-holes for 
  evasion to an unwilling witness. Care must be observed to put no leading 
  questions in original interrogatories, for these always lead to 
  inconvenience; and for scandal or impertinence, interrogatories will, under 
  certain Circumstances, be suppressed. Vide Will. on Interrogatories, passim; 
  Gresl. Ea. Ev pt. 1, c. 3, s. 1; Vin. Ab. h. t.; Hind's Pr. 317; 4 Bouv. 
  Inst. n. 4419, et seq.