The Importance of Depositions in Civil Litigation

June 26, 2023

Depositions are a key discovery practice in litigation to obtain testimony, clarify the facts of the case, and directly speak with the deponent. Depositions are a tool used during discovery where a witness or party to the lawsuit gives testimony under oath outside the court. Conducting depositions is an effective way to try and strengthen the client’s case by learning more about the deponent’s position, evidence, and arguments.

Some of the benefits of conducting depositions include:

1. Providing an opportunity to question witnesses under oath to evaluate credibility.
2. Gathering relevant information and evidence.
3. Preserving testimony and evidence that could be lost given lapses of time.
4. Obtaining evidence to support a motion for summary judgment, which if granted would conclude the case and save both parties time and expenses.
5. Providing an opportunity to request and obtain documents from parties and non-party witnesses.

Conducting thorough depositions is an essential aspect of litigation, as the testimony provided during depositions can be used later in trial for evidence, to prove an allegation, or to challenge the other party’s position.

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