What is a Deposition?

A deposition is a legal proceeding in which a witness is sworn in and provides sworn, out-of-court testimony under oath. This testimony is given in response to questions asked by the parties involved in a legal case, typically the attorneys. The purpose of a deposition is to gather information, elicit key facts, and assess the credibility of witnesses before a trial. Depositions are often recorded by a court reporter and can also be videotaped.

Why Depositions are Conducted?

Depositions serve several important functions in the legal process. They help attorneys assess the strength of their case, obtain evidence, and evaluate the credibility of witnesses. Depositions also allow parties to discover the other side's evidence and potential arguments, which can help in preparing for trial.

Who Can be Deposed?

Any individual with relevant information about a case can be deposed. This includes parties to the lawsuit, witnesses, experts, and other individuals who may have information that is pertinent to the legal proceedings.

Confidentiality of Depositions

Deposition testimony is typically considered confidential and cannot be disclosed to the public. However, the parties involved in the lawsuit can use the information obtained during depositions to prepare their case for trial.