Who must answer interrogatories?

Who must answer interrogatories?

• A. The opponent must respond
• B. Only the attorney can respond on behalf of client
• C. The party to whom directed, or if a corporation, an officer or agent, must respond
• D. The judge will prepare the answers

Answer: (C)

Interrogatories are a discovery tool aimed at obtaining factual information from a party in the case, and the obligation to answer lies with the party who is being asked. The answers must be provided under oath. When the responding party is a corporation or similar entity, the answers must come from someone who has actual authority to bind the entity—typically an officer or a designated agent—because the company itself cannot testify directly. Attorneys may help prepare and sign the responses, but the responsibility rests with the party or its authorized representative, not with the judge or with the opposing party.

Interrogatories are a discovery tool aimed at obtaining factual information from a party in the case, and the obligation to answer lies with the party who is being asked. The answers must be provided under oath. When the responding party is a corporation or similar entity, the answers must come from someone who has actual authority to bind the entity—typically an officer or a designated agent—because the company itself cannot testify directly. Attorneys may help prepare and sign the responses, but the responsibility rests with the party or its authorized representative, not with the judge or with the opposing party.