What is a deposition?

A deposition is a legal procedure in which a witness gives testimony outside of a courtroom. The witness is typically asked questions by an attorney for one of the parties to a lawsuit and the answers are recorded and preserved for trial. Depositions are commonly used in Virginia courts. Depositions are used to gain information from a witness that may not be available in a regular court hearing. It allows the attorneys to ask questions on matters related to the lawsuit, which will help them to understand facts and details which are important to the case. The witness is placed under oath and is expected to answer the questions truthfully and fully, as if they were in a courtroom. The testimony given during a deposition is recorded and must be signed by the witness. It typically takes place outside a courtroom either in an attorney’s office or conference room, and can be lengthy depending on the complexity of the case. After the deposition is finished, a transcript is produced. This transcript will be used as evidence when the case goes to trial. It can be used to argue points or to impeach the witness if there are inconsistencies in the witness’ testimony.

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