What legal process is described by the term 'interrogatory'?

The term 'interrogatory' refers specifically to a legal procedure where one party presents written questions to another party during the discovery phase of litigation. These questions are designed to gather information relevant to the case and must be answered under oath, typically within a specified period. This process allows for the clarification of facts, identification of issues, and helps build a foundation for the case by collecting evidence before trial.

This method is crucial in civil litigation as it helps both sides understand the dimensions of the case and prepares them for the legal arguments they will present. By requiring factual responses, interrogatories serve to streamline the legal process and can often lead to settlements or informed preparation for trial.