{"id":368974,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:05","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/what-is-a-deposition.html"},"modified":"2024-11-18T17:55:00","modified_gmt":"2024-11-18T22:55:00","slug":"what-is-a-deposition","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/what-is-a-deposition.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Deposition?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">What Is a Deposition?<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/samuel-strom-j-d\/\">Samuel Strom, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-bender-esq\/\">Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            November 18, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <ul>\n<li>A deposition is the taking of an oral statement of a witness before trial under oath.<\/li>\n<li>Depositions may be taken of lay witnesses, such as eyewitnesses, or expert witnesses.<\/li>\n<li>Witnesses must provide testimony under oath during the deposition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div><p>Depositions are a part of the discovery process. They provide a formal opportunity to gather information under oath before a civil trial. During this part of discovery, the person being deposed answers a series of questions under penalty of perjury.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/deposition.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Depositions<\/a> allow opposing counsel to question witnesses sworn to tell the truth, and they often give both parties a better understanding of the case. This article defines depositions and explains the discovery process. It will also show how depositions fit into the discovery process.<\/p>\n<p>But going to court can still be intimidating. Witnesses can choose to hire a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">lawyer with litigation experience<\/a> to get help preparing for a deposition.<\/p>\n<h2>Understanding the Purpose of Discovery<\/h2>\n<p>Discovery is a formal investigation allowing parties to find out\u00a0more about the case. In a lawsuit, all named parties have the right to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/filing-a-lawsuit-the-discovery-process.html\">conduct discovery<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Accessing this information before a trial is important. It will enable the parties to use facts and potential evidence to better define their strategies. In some cases, information learned during discovery helps the opposing sides settle without having to go to trial.<\/p>\n<p>Depositions are one form of discovery. Other forms include, but are not limited to, the following.<\/p>\n<h3>Interrogatories<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/interrogatory.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Interrogatories<\/a> are written questions posed to the opposing side.<\/p>\n<h3>Requests to Produce Documents<\/h3>\n<p>These requests allow both parties to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/fact-finding-and-discovery.html\">gather relevant information<\/a> from each other.<\/p>\n<h3>Depositions<\/h3>\n<p>Whether a deposition is needed depends on each case&#8217;s unique facts and circumstances. Cases that involve only legal, not factual, issues usually do not require them. Witness testimony regarding a solely legal issue most likely is not necessary. In many lawsuits, however, deposition testimony is important in painting a complete picture of the events.<\/p>\n<h3>Subpoenas<\/h3>\n<p>During discovery, parties can use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/what-is-a-subpoena.html\">subpoenas<\/a> to request relevant documents or testimony that are not willingly disclosed.<\/p>\n<p>For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/fact-finding-understanding-the-discovery-process.html\">discovery<\/a> may include relevant <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/medical-malpractice\/medical-records-release-form.html\">medical records<\/a> in a personal injury lawsuit. If the case involves a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/car-accident-liability-proving-fault-in-a-car-crash.html\">car accident<\/a>, there may be demands for police accident reports and information regarding insurance companies.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2><b>Deposition Basics<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Unlike the information recorded in documents or the attorneys&#8217; answers to interrogatories, a deposition involves a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/do-s-and-don-ts-being-a-witness.html\">living, breathing witness<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The deposition has two significant purposes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>To find out what the witness knows and believes<\/li>\n<li>To preserve that witness&#8217;s testimony<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The intent is to allow the parties to learn all the facts before the trial so that no one is surprised once that witness is on the stand.<\/p>\n<h3>Case Evaluation<\/h3>\n<p>A deposition is an opportunity to form a better case evaluation. It is not solely about obtaining favorable testimony. If, for example, a witness&#8217;s version of events would undermine your case, that&#8217;s something you should know about long before the trial begins.<\/p>\n<p>Depositions tend to eliminate surprises at trial. By extension, a deposition allows all sides to learn the weak spots in their respective cases. The parties can then prepare for ways to avoid or dispute them at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/what-happens-at-trial.html\">trial<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Cross-Examination<\/h3>\n<p>A third purpose of deposing a witness is to judge how well a witness handles <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/cross-examination.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cross-examination<\/a>. For example, if the witness appears on their behalf well, the opposing party may consider <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/tips-on-negotiating.html\">settling the case<\/a>. Moreover, if opposing counsel believes the witness is sympathetic, they may want to settle the case.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, if the opposing party knows the witness lied during their deposition, they may want to take the case to trial. Furthermore, if the opposing party believes the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/rules-regarding-your-jury-trial.html\">jury will not sympathize<\/a> with the witness or find them credible, the opposing party may want to try the case.<\/p>\n<h2><b>How Depositions Work<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Depositions don&#8217;t take place in courtrooms. Instead, they usually occur in attorneys&#8217; offices or law office\u00a0conference rooms.<\/p>\n<p>No judges are present during a deposition. A <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/court-reporter.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">court reporter<\/a> will record every word spoken during the entire deposition. If the parties know the witness will not be available at trial, a videographer may record the deposition.<\/p>\n<h3>Testifying Under Oath<\/h3>\n<p>The court reporter will swear in the witness, also known as the <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/deponent.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">deponent<\/a>. The <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/oath.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">oath<\/a> requires the witness to tell the truth. Any <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/false-statements.html\">false statements made under oath<\/a> carry both civil and criminal penalties. This is known as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/perjury.html\">perjury<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Hearsay<\/h3>\n<p>If a witness did not take an oath, their statement would qualify as <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/hearsay.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hearsay<\/a>. Hearsay is an out-of-court statement offered to prove truth of the matter asserted. Hearsay is generally not <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/admissible.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">admissible<\/a> in court.<\/p>\n<h3>Attendance<\/h3>\n<p>All parties to the case may attend the deposition. A deponent often has their attorney present. The deponent&#8217;s attorney typically has a more limited role than in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/in-the-courtroom-who-does-what.html\">courtroom<\/a>. The deponent&#8217;s attorney will likely only actively participate if they object to opposing counsel questions or have follow-up questions.<\/p>\n<h3>Deposition Questions<\/h3>\n<p>Generally, the range of deposition questions is broader than those allowed in court. Attorneys for the deponent or parties to the lawsuit may object to some inquiries. However, the deponent is usually obligated to answer all proper questions. A judge can later <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/how-does-a-judge-rule-on-objections.html\">rule on objections<\/a> made during the deposition.<\/p>\n<h2>How Long Does a Deposition Take?<\/h2>\n<p>How long a deposition can last depends on each state&#8217;s court rules. Generally speaking, the maximum time for a deposition is seven hours in total. In a federal case, the federal rules of <a href=\"https:\/\/corporate.findlaw.com\/litigation-disputes\/civil-litigation\/civil-procedure.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">civil procedure<\/a> limit depositions to seven hours. Depositions may take place over several days in some circumstances. However, the length of the deposition cannot exceed the time limit set by the state or federal rules.<\/p>\n<p>A deposition&#8217;s length depends on many factors, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The complexity of the case<\/li>\n<li>The number of questions asked<\/li>\n<li>The length of the deponent&#8217;s answers<\/li>\n<li>The number of exhibits introduced<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>An average deposition will take between two and\u00a0four hours. Some depositions may only take 10 to 30 minutes. It all depends on the particular case.<\/p>\n<p>Unless <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/may-the-court-force-me-to-testify.html\">one of the legal exceptions<\/a> applies, a witness must attend the deposition for the entire duration. Failure to appear and complete the process can result in court penalties.<\/p>\n<h2><b>What Happens Post-Deposition?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Depositions often provide additional information that the parties may follow up and investigate. The discovery phase will continue, and parties may schedule other depositions.<\/p>\n<p>The court reporter will produce a written <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/transcript.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">transcript<\/a> of the deposition. The deposition transcript is valuable for parties to review and compare with known evidence. Access to the deposition transcript helps parties further evaluate the case and plan for settlement or trial.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Get Legal Help<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>If you have received a notice to appear for a deposition, you should speak to a litigation attorney. Litigation attorneys are experts and can help you in diverse legal matters, including deposition preparation. They can also provide legal advice for your case. Consider speaking with a skilled <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">litigation attorney<\/a> today.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n              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class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    You want an attorney to represent you in court or during appeals\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex court cases (such as 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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FindLaw explains the deposition process in civil lawsuits, covering discovery, what to expect, and post-deposition steps. 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