A deposition by definition is evidence that is given under oath and gets recorded for being used in court later on. In the US, depositions are given outside the court in well defined circumstances and are recognized for even criminal cases. Depositions are part of the e discovery process. What is e-discovery? Before both the parties (litigants) in any litigation go to trial, they have to prepare and collect relevant information from each other and this process is called e-discovery. During litigation, depositions become one of the most useful tools for any attorney or lawyer.

What are the different formats of depositions?

• Chart summary deposition
• Page-by-page deposition
• Topic summary deposition
• Customized depositions

Each different style or format has its advantages. In a chart type format the gist of the content is presented in a continuous fashion while the topic summary helps in quick identification of the subject matter.

There are various litigation support companies offering deposition and court reporting services using state of the art various types of technologies are being used. Real time court reporting and quick transcription work with a minimal turnaround time can make deposition transcripts available in very less time. In the US different states and cities may have different practices with regards to how the transcripts have to be produced. Companies with contacts and representation all over the US are capable of taking up deposition work on a national basis.

Lack of witness at trials may frequently require video recordings of depositions to be taken. The attorney who has ordered the deposition starts questioning the deponent, who is notified with a subpoena. The court reporter has to make a verbatim stenographic record of all that is said during the deposition. This is called direct examination. Cross examinations by other attorneys also take place. Sometimes, after the deposition enough information and evidence gets accumulated leading to a settlement out of court thereby saving on the costs of litigation.

Managed Outsource Solutions (MOS) is a US based legal outsourcing company that offers services like legal transcription, legal research, legal documentation, legal web design, legal scoping and litigation support to clients in the US, Canada the UK and Australia.

Labels: chart summary deposition, depositions, legal deposition formats, litigation support