(a) Use. Answers to interrogatories may be used to the same extent as provided by R. 4:16-1(a) and R. 4:16-1(b) for the use of the deposition of a party. If less than all of the interrogatories and answers thereto are marked or read into evidence by a party, an adverse party may read into evidence any other of the interrogatories and answers or parts thereof necessary for a fair understanding of the parts read into evidence. Interrogatories shall not be marked into evidence without good cause.
Rule 4:17-8.Use, filing and effect of interrogatories
Last amended September 11, 1978 · Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 7, 2026
In one sentenceRule 4:17-8 governs the use, filing, and effect of interrogatories — answers may be used like a party's deposition, they are not filed unless the court directs, and serving interrogatories does not stay the time to answer a pleading.
Full Text of Rule 4:17-8
(b) Filing. Neither the interrogatories nor the answers shall be filed unless the court so directs at the pre-trial conference or trial.
(c) Pleading Not Stayed. The service of interrogatories shall not stay the time for service of an answering pleading.
Amendment History
New Jersey publishes each rule’s amendment record in a “History” note beneath the rule. It is reproduced verbatim below; the “R.R.” citations refer to the former Revised Rules numbering the current rules replaced.
Source-R.R. 4:23-7, 4:23-10, 4:23-13. Paragraph (a) amended July 14, 1972 to be effective September 5, 1972; paragraph (b); amended July 24, 1978 to be effective September 11, 1978.
Plain-English Summary
This rule ties up three loose ends about interrogatories. Answers may be used in evidence to the same extent as a party’s deposition under Rule 4:16-1, and if one party reads part of the answers into evidence, an adverse party may read other parts needed for a fair understanding. Interrogatories are not marked into evidence without good cause.
The rule also addresses filing and timing. Neither the interrogatories nor the answers are filed unless the court directs, and serving interrogatories does not stay the time for serving an answering pleading — a defendant cannot use interrogatories to postpone its answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can interrogatory answers be used at trial?
Yes, to the same extent as a party’s deposition under Rule 4:16-1. If part of the answers is read into evidence, an adverse party may read other parts needed for a fair understanding.
Source & verification. The rule text and amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the
official New Jersey Rules of Court (N.J. Ct. R. 4:17-8). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey (N.J. Const. art. VI, § 2, ¶ 3). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 7, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: use of interrogatoriesfiling interrogatoriesinterrogatories do not stay pleading