What does "interrogatory" mean in civil procedure?

"Interrogatory" refers specifically to a set of written questions that one party in a civil case sends to another party. The responding party is required to answer these questions under oath, which means the answers are legally binding. This process is a crucial part of the discovery phase in civil litigation, allowing parties to gather information from each other to prepare for trial or settlement discussions. The use of interrogatories helps ensure that both sides have access to relevant facts and can clarify issues early in the process.

The other options describe different legal concepts that are not synonymous with interrogatories. For instance, a request to the court or a judicial order typically involves motions or filings for compliance and appearances, while a formal agreement to settle a case pertains to resolution rather than information gathering. Thus, option C captures the specific function and purpose of interrogatories in the civil procedure context.