Deposition

A deposition is a formal, out-of-court procedure in which a witness gives sworn testimony under oath before a court reporter and/or video recorder, prior to a trial. It is a crucial component of the discovery phase in litigation, allowing attorneys for all parties to question witnesses, gather information, and assess the credibility and demeanor of potential trial witnesses. Unlike trial testimony, a deposition typically takes place in an attorney's office or another neutral location, rather than a courtroom.