What is the term for written questions exchanged between the defense and plaintiff during legal proceedings?

The term for written questions exchanged between the defense and plaintiff during legal proceedings is known as interrogatories. Interrogatories are part of the discovery process in legal cases, allowing each party to gather information from the other before trial. This exchange of written questions helps clarify the points of contention and ensure both sides have the relevant facts they need to prepare their cases.

In contrast, depositions are oral testimonies taken under oath, often conducted outside of court. Subpoenas are legal documents that order an individual to testify or produce evidence in a legal proceeding. Affidavits are written statements confirmed by oath or affirmation, often used as evidence in court but do not involve the process of exchanging questions. Therefore, interrogatories specifically refer to the written question-and-answer format used to elicit information during litigation.