INTERROGATORIES

A set or series therefore not genuine interpretation. Id. 59. of written questions drawn up for the purpose Free or unrestricted interpretation (inter- of being propounded to a party in equity, a pretatio soluta) proceeds simply on the gen- garnishee, or a witness whose testimony is eral principles of interpretation in good faith, taken on deposition; a series of formal writ- not bound by any specific or superior princi- ten questions used in the judicial examina ple. Id. 59. tion of a party or a witness. In taking evi- Limited or restricted interpretation (in-dence on depositions, the interrogatories are terpretatio limitata) is when we are influ- usually prepared and settled by counsel, and enced by other principles than the strictly reduced to writing in advance of the exami- hermeneutic ones. Id. 60. Predestined interpretation (interpretatio predestinata) takes place if the interpreter, laboring under a strong bias of mind, makes the text subservient to his preconceived views or desires. This includes artful interpreta- tion, (interpretatio vafer,) by which the in- terpreter seeks to give a meaning to the text other than the one he knows to have been in- tended. Id. 60. It is said to be either “legal," which rests on the same authority as the law itself, or "doctrinal," which rests upon its intrinsic reasonableness. Legal interpretation may be either "authentic," when it is expressly provided by the legislator, or "usual,” when it is derived from unwritten practice. Doc- trinal interpretation may turn on the mean- ing of words and sentences, when it is called "grammatical," or on the intention of the legislator, when it is described as "logical." When logical interpretation stretches the words of a statute to cover its obvious mean- | nation. Interrogatories are either direct or cross, the former being those which are put on be- half of the party calling a witness; the latter are those which are interposed by the adverse party.

enced by other principles than the strictly hermeneutic ones. Id. 60. Predestined interpretation (interpret atio predestinata) takes place if the interpreter, laboring under a strong bias of mind, makes the text subservient to his preconceived views or desires. This includes artful interpretation, (interpretatio vafer,) by which the interpreter seeks to give a meaning to the text other than the one he knows to have been intended. Id. 60. It is said to be either “legal,’’ which rests on the same authority as the law itself, or “doctrinal,” which rests upon its intrinsic reasonableness. Legal interpretation may be either “authentic,” when it is expressly provided by the legislator, or “usual,’”? when it is derived from unwritten practice. Doctrinal interpretation may turn on the meaning of words and sentences, when it is called “grammatical,” or on the intention of the legislator, when it is described as “logical.” When logical interpretation stretches the words of a statute to cover its obvious meaning, it is called “extensive;” when, on the other hand, it avoids giving full meaning to the words, in order not to go beyond the intention of the legislator, it is called “restrictive.” Holl. Jur. 344. As to strict and liberal interpretation, see CONSTRUCTION, In the civil law, authentic interpretation of laws is that given by the legislator himself, which is obligatory on the courts. Cuwustomary interpretation (also called “usual’’) is that which arises from successive or concurrent decisions of the court on the same subject-matter, having regard to the spirit of the law, jurisprudence, usnges, and equity; as distinguished from “authentic” interpretation, which is that given by the legislator himself. Houston v. Robertson, 2 Tex. 28. —Interpretation clause. A section of a statute which defines the meaning of certain words occurring frequently in the other sections. A set or series of written questions drawn up for the purpose of being propounded to a party in equity, a garnishee, or a witness whose testimony is taken on deposition; a series of formal written questions used in the judicial examination of a party or a witness. In taking evidence on depositions, the interrogatories are usually prepared and settled by counsel, and reduced to writing in udvance of the examination. Interrogatories are either direct or cross, the former being those which are put on behalf of the party calling a witness; the latter are those which are interposed by the adverse party.

Written questions to be answered on oath. Sometimes the answers are given verbally and taken down in writing, as when a person is examined by interrogaprevent the exercise of the right. Id. 154; Shelf. R. P. Stat. 20, and the cases there cited. See further as to interruption, Co. Litt. 245b; Shelf. 180. 3. Interruption of the possession has no legal effect except as evidence of an interruption in the right. (See Gale 209; tories before an examiner or commisShelf 20; Co. Litt. 114b.) Interruption in sioner, but more generally the term is the right may prevent the acquisition of a used to denote interrogatories delivered by right by prescription, or may cause the one party to an action for the examinaacquisition of a qualified right, or may tion of the opposite party, who is compeldestroy a right which has been acquired. lable to answer them by affidavit. By this (Co. Litt. 113b, 114b; Gale and Shelf. 1. c.) means a plaintiff is enabled in many cases By the English Prescription Act (q. v.) no to ascertain whether he has a good cause act or other matter shall be deemed to be of action, or obtain admissions in support an interruption so as to prevent the acquiof his case. (See ANSWER; DISCOVERY.) sition of a right under the act unless it The practice of administering interrogashall have been submitted to or acquiesced tories is derived from the old practice in for one year after notice. (84.) But an in Chancery. (Dan. Ch. Pr. 404.) Interrogatories are annexed to a commission to take testimony; to a bill for discovery, and are used in proceedings to bring a party into contempt. Interruptio multiplex non tollit præscriptionem semel obtentam (2 Inst. 654): Frequent interruption does not take away a prescription once secured.

plural of interrogatory