Courts and procedure
Deposition
Testimony given under oath outside the courtroom, before an officer who can administer oaths, usually to gather facts before trial.[1]
In more detail
It is a common discovery tool.[1] Early neutral evaluation can sometimes stand in for some formal discovery by helping the parties focus on what really matters.[2]
Varies by state
This is the federal courts' definition; state courts use the word the same way, though procedures differ by state. Find your state’s rules.
Related terms
- DiscoveryThe process in which each side gets information from the other before trial, through tools such as depositions, written questions and requests for documents.
- SubpoenaA command, issued under a court's authority, requiring a witness to appear and give testimony.
- AffidavitA written or printed statement made under oath.
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Sources
The official documents this definition is based on, with the date we last read each one. Definitions are in our own words.
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Cite this page
MediationList. (2026, October 28). Deposition: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/deposition/
APA 7th ed. A retrieval date is included only for pages whose content changes, such as maps, data and tools.