During which stage of a civil liability lawsuit do interrogatories and depositions occur?

The stage of a civil liability lawsuit where interrogatories and depositions occur is known as the Discovery phase. This phase is crucial because it allows both parties in a lawsuit to gather relevant information and evidence from each other prior to the trial. Interrogatories are written questions that one party sends to another, which must be answered in writing and under oath. Depositions, on the other hand, involve the taking of sworn testimony from a witness or a party to the suit before the trial, allowing lawyers to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the case.

During the Discovery stage, both sides are required to disclose information that could be relevant to the case, promoting transparency and helping to prevent surprises during the trial. This is essential for ensuring that both parties have a fair opportunity to prepare their cases, making Discovery a foundational component of the litigation process.