What is a deposition in civil litigation?

A deposition in civil litigation is a process used to gather evidence in a lawsuit. In North Carolina, a deposition is an out-of-court statement made by a party to a lawsuit. It is taken in front of a court reporter, who records it. The opposing party’s attorney is also present, and the questions and answers are recorded in sworn testimony. During a deposition, the attorney can ask questions about the facts of the case, the witnesses’ backgrounds, and any documents related to the case. The deposition is used to gather information from the witnesses, as well as to challenge their credibility and the validity of their claims. Depositions may be used as evidence in a trial, but they are more commonly used to build a case and to test the strength of the opposing party’s arguments. If the parties do not settle the case, the deposition may be used in court to impeach a witness’s credibility or to challenge the other party’s version of events. The deposition process can be lengthy and expensive, as it requires hiring a court reporter and paying the witness’s and attorney’s fees. However, it is an important step in the civil litigation process, as it can provide the evidence that a party needs to prove its case.

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