DEPOSITION

The process of taking a recording of testimony of a witness under oath before a court reporter usually held in a neutral venue before a trial is to take place.  A deposition is considered acceptable and permitted pre-trial discovery or investigation.  It is usually set up by the attorney of one of the parties involved.  A deposition may be taken of the opposing party, a witness, or of an expert intended to be called at trial by the opposition.

During a deposition, testimony is recorded by a court reporter, who will then prepare a transcript in order to assist in trial preparation and may be used in trial.