Are Interrogatories Public Record?

Courts nationwide recognize a right to inspect and copy public records and documents, including judicial records and documents. However, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Seattle Times Co. v. Rhinehart that “pretrial depositions and interrogatories are not public components of a civil trial.

Do interrogatories have to be filed with the court?

Interrogatories are a part of the "discovery" stage of a civil case. ... Interrogatories and depositions form the bulk of the discovery process. Unlike many legal documents, interrogatories do not need to be filed with the court. They're sent back and forth from one party to another.

What is discoverable evidence?

This is the formal process of exchanging information between the parties about the witnesses and evidence they'll present at trial. Discovery enables the parties to know before the trial begins what evidence may be presented. ... It is to be used at trial or in preparation for trial.