Court Reporter Practice Exam

During what phase of the legal process are interrogatories typically utilized?

1. During jury selection

2. Prior to trial, during discovery

3. In opening statements

4. After witness testimonies

The correct answer is: Prior to trial, during discovery

Interrogatories are a legal tool used during the discovery phase, which occurs before the trial itself. This phase is crucial as it allows both parties in a lawsuit to gather evidence and obtain information from each other that is relevant to the case at hand. Interrogatories consist of written questions posed by one party to another, requiring detailed written responses. The primary goal of using interrogatories is to clarify the facts and legal positions of each party, which can help streamline the issues for trial and potentially lead to a resolution without the need for a trial. During jury selection, opening statements, or after witness testimonies, the focus is on presenting the case to either a jury or a judge rather than gathering information. Hence, these phases do not utilize interrogatories as they are specifically designed to facilitate information exchange in the discovery stage.