Interrogatories
Author | Jennifer Duncan-Brice |
Pages | 229-298 |
25-1 (Rev. 12, 9/16)
Chapter 25
INTERROGATORIES
QUICK VIEW
Defined: Interrogatories are written questions directed to a party requesting that party to provide sworn
answers to the questions.
Scope of Chapter: General principles and techniques about interrogatories; how to propound interrogatories;
how to respond, including both answering and objecting; supplemental and amended answers; motion
practice related to interrogatories; and evidence issues.
Strategic Considerations:
Propounder: Draft interrogatories that identify the requested information with reasonable particularity. Use
Definitions and Instructions sections to make the interrogatories more concise, effective, clearer, and less
objectionable.
Respondent: Work with the client to compile the responsive information. To avoid waiving objections to
the interrogatories, timely serve a written response asserting all the objections you want to preserve. If the
interrogatories seek confidential information, propose the parties enter into a Confidentiality Agreement, or
stipulate to a protective order.
Statutes and Rules:
• SCR 201(b) (permissible scope of discovery).
• SCR 201(c) (protective orders).
• SCR 201(d) (time to serve interrogatories).
• SCR 213(a) (service of interrogatories).
• SCR 213(c) (limit on number or sets of interrogatories).
• SCR 213(d) (answers and objections).
• SCR 213(f) (disclosure of witnesses and testimony).
• SCR 213(g) (limitation on testimony and freedom to cross-examine)
• SCR 213(h) (use of interrogatories).
• SCR 213(i) (amending answers).
• SCR 219(a) (motion to compel discovery).
• SCR 219(c) (failure to comply with discovery order).
Related Topics: All Discovery, Ch 20; Requests for Admissions, Ch 26; Production of Documents and
Other Things, Ch 22; Discovery Disputes, Ch 27; Depositions, Ch 23; Presuit Activities, Ch 2.
Forms: See digital access for the following forms:
ILLINO IS PRE TRIAL PRACTICE 25-2
• Form 25:10, Standard Personal Injury Interrogatories.
• Form 20:30, Stipulated Protective Order.
• Form 20:40, Acknowledgment of Stipulated Protective Order.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. General Points
§25:01 Basic Principles
§25:02 Advantages
§25:03 Disadvantages
§25:04 Propounded by Parties, on Parties
§25:05 Who Are “Parties”?
§25:06 Non-Individual Entities
§25:07 Answers Binding at Trial
§25:08 Limit on Number
§25:09 Duty to Supplement
§25:10 Uniform Interrogatories
II. How to Use Interrogatories
A. General Points
§25:20 Goals and Purposes
§25:21 Strategy and Tactics
B. Using Interrogatories With Other Discovery
§25:30 With Depositions
§25:31 With Document Requests
§25:32 With Requests for Admissions
§25:33 When to Delay Interrogatories
C. Types of Interrogatories
§25:40 Contention Inquiries
§25:41 “Source-of-Information” Inquiries
§25:42 “Should-Have-Done” Inquiries
§25:43 Expert Opinion Inquiries
§25:44 Damage Inquiries
III. Propounding Interrogatories
A. Format
§25:50 Caption
§25:51 Title
§25:52 No Blank Space for Response
§25:53 Numbering
25-3 INTERR OGATORIES
(Rev. 12, 9/16)
§25:54 Signature
§25:55 Service
B. Preliminary Parts
§25:60 Introductory Statement
§25:61 Instructions
§25:62 Definitions
§25:63 Applicable Time Period
§25:64 Basis for Claim of Privilege
C. Drafting Techniques
§25:70 Elements of Good Interrogatories
§25:71 Be Precise and Meticulous
§25:72 Be Simple and Direct
§25:73 Unnecessary Document “Identification”
§25:74 Don’t Seek Lengthy Narrative
§25:75 Break It Down
§25:76 Force “Yes” or “No” Response
§25:77 Subparts
§25:78 Quote Language at Issue
§25:79 No Legal Opinions
§25:80 Dealing With “Artful Dodgers”
D. Areas of Inquiry
1. GENERAL POINTS
§25:90 Scope of Inquiry
§25:91 How to Identify Areas
§25:92 Element of Surprise
§25:93 People With Relevant Knowledge
§25:94 People Who Contributed to Answers
2. FACTS
§25:100 Supporting Claims or Defenses
§25:101 Collateral Facts
§25:102 Party Admissions
§25:103 Damages
§25:104 Criminal Convictions
§25:105 Insurance Coverage
3. IDENTITY AND TESTIMONY OF WITNESSES
a. General Points
§25:110 Disclosure of Identities and Addresses of All Witnesses
§25:111 Disclosure of Testimony
§25:112 Materials Relied On
b. Lay Witnesses
§25:120 Defined
§25:121 Disclosure Requirements
c. Independent Experts
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