Frequently Asked Questions About Depositions
- Author Jeremy Smith
- Published November 11, 2010
- Word count 484
Most people never have their deposition taken. The question and answer session under oath is usually reserved for those directly involved in a lawsuit. The lawyers in the case ask questions, and the witness answers them under oath and to the best of their ability. When someone must have their deposition taken, they often have many questions beforehand about the logistics of what will happen. Some frequently asked questions are below.
Where does it take place?
Most witnesses are subpoenaed to appear for deposition. The date, time and address are printed on the subpoena. When someone has been served a subpoena, they are required to appear unless other arrangements are made and the subpoena is nullified or changed. The location is usually at either an attorney’s office or a neutral third-party site, such as a court reporting service’s deposition suite or conference room. Out-of-state lawyers will sometimes arrange for legal depositions to take place at a hotel conference room or the office where the witness works.
How long does it take?
Giving a deposition can take as little as 15 minutes or stretch into several hours. Some depositions are even continued into many days of testimony, depending on the nature of the case and the knowledge of the witness. Usually the main characters of the case, most likely the plaintiff and the defendant, take the longest because they have a lot of information that the lawyers want to know. Experts, like doctors in medical malpractice or auto accident cases, commonly take a few hours.
Who will be there?
The people present at the deposition are usually the witness, the plaintiff, the defendant and attorneys for both sides. Deposition reporters are frequently hired to attend the proceedings and take down everything that is said. These registered professional court reporters are neutral third parties that do this for a living.
Is it legally binding?
The deponent is placed under oath by the court reporter at the beginning of the proceedings. Some states require the person to produce a valid form of photo identification to verify their identity before taking the oath. When someone is sworn, they must swear or affirm that what they say is the whole truth, the real truth and nothing but the truth. This is as legally binding as any testimony given in a court of law. Those found to be lying can be charged with perjury. Those that do not show up can face criminal charges as well.
What should a witness wear?
When someone is giving deposition testimony in a legal case, most witnesses dress in business attire or business casual. They should wear clothing that they can be comfortable sitting in for quite some time. Most deposition locations are conference rooms where the door is shut for privacy. Air conditioning or heat may or may not be working in the room, so it is wise to dress in layers.
If you are interested in deposition reporters, be sure to visit http://www.huseby.com/.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- UK Workplace Locker Laws 2025
- Pedestrian Accidents: Know Your Legal Rights from a Brownsville Personal Injury Lawyer
- Choosing the Best Greenville Injury Attorney for Workplace Injuries
- Choosing the Best Greenville Injury Attorney for Workplace Injuries
- International Shipping Made Simple with DTDC International Courier
- Choosing the Right International Shipping Services and Understanding International Shipping Rates
- Send Parcels Worldwide with a Trusted International Courier Service in Delhi
- Navigating Family Law with a Divorce Lawyer in Austin
- My employer has presented me with a Settlement Agreement. What do I do now?
- Behind Every Successful Deal: The Lawyer’s Role in M&A Strategy
- Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney in Seattle After an Accident
- Why You Need a Local Irvine Personal Injury Lawyer After an Accident
- Why Local Expertise Matters: Benefits of Hiring an Indiana Car Accident Lawyer
- Why Foreclosure Defense Matters
- How Personal Injury Lawyers in North Charleston Handle Insurance Companies
- From Your Home to Anywhere – Reliable Global Shipping Solutions
- Temporary WiFi and Data Analytics in Events
- How an Okatie Car Accident Lawyer Can Help with a Hit-and-Run Case
- Content Analysis: Uncovering the Hidden Meaning
- criminal defense attorney irvine
- 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer in Clearfield
- 10 Signs You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer in Rockford
- Why You Should Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Tampa After an Accident
- Canada’s Regions Blocking Low-Wage LMIAs
- How the IRS Is Changing and Why You Need a Tax Attorney Now More Than Ever
- When to Call a Car Accident Lawyer in San Antonio After a Wreck
- What to Expect During Your First Consultation With a New Haven Personal Injury Lawyer
- How a Waterbury Auto Accident Lawyer Can Maximize Your Settlement
- Contracts That Win: Why Legal Precision Is Key to Business Success
- How the IRS Is Cracking Down on Tax Debt (And What You Can Do About It)