Legal Definitions - categorical question

A categorical question is a type of inquiry designed to elicit a simple, definitive, and unqualified answer, typically "yes" or "no," or an answer that falls into one of a limited set of predefined categories. It does not invite explanation, nuance, or elaboration, but rather seeks a clear classification or absolute affirmation or denial of a statement or condition.

Here are some examples illustrating a categorical question:

• Example 1: Witness Testimony

  During a trial, a prosecutor asks a witness, "Did you see the defendant leave the building before 9:00 AM on the day of the incident?"

  Explanation: This is a categorical question because it demands a straightforward "yes" or "no" answer from the witness. The prosecutor is not asking for a detailed account of what the witness saw, but rather a definitive confirmation or denial of a specific event and timeframe. The witness is expected to provide a direct answer without offering explanations or additional observations at this point.

• Example 2: Contractual Compliance

  In a business agreement, a clause might state, "Has Party A submitted all required financial reports for the previous quarter?" and require a checkbox response of "Yes" or "No."

  Explanation: This question is categorical as it seeks an absolute determination of whether a specific condition (submission of all reports) has been met. The answer is either a clear affirmation ("Yes") or denial ("No"), without requiring an explanation of why reports might be missing or what was contained within them.

• Example 3: Regulatory Application

  On a government permit application for a new construction project, an applicant might be asked, "Is the proposed construction site located within a designated flood zone?" with options to select "Yes," "No," or "Unsure."

  Explanation: This is a categorical question because it requires the applicant to classify the property's location into one of several predefined categories (in a flood zone or not, or if they genuinely don't know). It's not asking for a detailed geological survey or a history of flooding, but a direct classification relevant to regulatory compliance.