Q What do I need to know about depositions?

A The previous article in this series discussed important “discovery” tools that are used to get the facts in a lawsuit. One of the most important discovery tools is called a deposition. Giving a deposition can be a frightening prospect. Some information and a few hints regarding giving a deposition may reduce the trauma for a deponent.

A deposition is an informal question and answer period that is used to gain more information about the personal knowledge of a party or a witness. It is informal because it is done in a conference room and not in a courtroom. However, the “deponent,” the individual who is responding to questions, is there because he or she received a subpoena to appear. This subpoena mandates that the person who received it attends the scheduled deposition and responds to the questions that are asked....

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