A deposition is a method of discovery that is used to gather or obtain facts and information that may be relevant to a pending lawsuit. During a deposition, one party to a suit, or, more commonly, the party's lawyer, asks questions of the other party, the other party's witnesses, or any other person who may have knowledge or information that is relevant to the case. Although depositions may be conducted through written questions or orally, they are almost always taken orally rather than in writing. Depositions generally take place outside the courtroom. Most often, depositions are conducted in a lawyer's office.

The person that is asked the questions during the deposition is referred to as the “deponent.” The deponent's testimony is given under oath and, more ...