What is the definition of "interrogatory" in Utah civil procedure?

The term "interrogatory" in the context of Utah civil procedure refers specifically to a written question posed to a party involved in a lawsuit, which must be answered in writing and under oath. This process is part of the discovery phase in litigation, where parties gather information to prepare for trial. The interrogatory serves to clarify issues, elicit facts, and allow parties to understand the opposing side's position.

In contrast, the other options describe different legal processes or documents. A type of legal complaint filed in civil court refers to the initial pleading that starts a lawsuit, which is not related to interrogatories. A request for documents pertains to a different discovery tool known as a "request for production," which is specifically about obtaining physical or electronic documents rather than verbal or written answers to questions. Lastly, oral questioning of a witness is associated with depositions, another discovery method, but does not pertain to the written format of interrogatories. Each of these processes serves its own distinct purpose in the broader context of civil litigation.