What are Interrogatories?

Under Florida law cases are determined by facts, truth, and application of law to those. After a lawsuit is filed, a person to the suit may need more information in order to make their case or to clarify an understanding. This is known as a discovery process. During discovery, a person can be requested to turn over certain information such as documents; person can be subject to an examination; to have their property subject to inspection; be questioned in a deposition; or give answers to written questions known as interrogatories.

Interrogatories are a useful tool in getting to the bottom of an issue or fact. Florida law allows for a person to receive thirty (30) interrogatories, however, the court may extend the number if the person requesting has a good cause to ask for more questions. Although, there are basic line questions known as "form interrogatories," which include questions like "what is your name?" or "have you ever been convicted of a crime?" Most questions presented are in free form and made to your attorneys specificity. This enables him/her to get clear answers to the case he/she wants to show. It also helps cut cost to the clients by not having to personally visit each party and instead asks them in form for answers to questions. These answers are followed by an affidavit that says the answer is truthful and have the same affect as being under oath.

For example: Florida's Battery Statute says a person can be charged with battery, if that person is found to act intentionally to cause harmful or offensive touching against the will of another. A defendant serving the plaintiff an interrogatory may seek to get what extent of harm actually occurred and could go like this?

               1. Did you receive medical care?

               2. Did you make a statement?

               3. Where photographs taken of any injuries?....and so on

As simple as it may seem the wording of interrogatories needs to be thought out and planned. It is vital to get the facts straight and obtain a clear understanding. It is possible for a party to say they do not understand what is being asked, which will only frustrate the whole purpose of this discovery tool. Additionally, a question may seem identical and you may get a reply that says "see other question." This would be a huge waste of time and effort.  As such, the courts advocate for simple questions that can be answered concisely; which have only one issue, and no confusion.

A skilled attorney is able to save you both time and money by knowing what questions to ask of the ins and outs of interrogatories.

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jjlawfl Joined: October 30th, 2017