The Importance of Depositions in Civil Trials

It is easy to not take the deposition process in civilwhether this person can help your case out or if he
trials very seriously. They are not conducted in aor she could actually potentially hurt your case.
court house and thus do not seem to contain theSometimes witnesses brought on can hurt the case
same type of clout that witness testimony in courtof the same side that brought them to the stand!
has. Many people believe that the only things thatWhat Happens During Depositions
matter when it comes to legal cases are the thingsDepositions, even though they are not in court, are
that they have seen on Law & Order. But what youstill very formal. This is not a time to mess around or
view as you sit down in front of a television with atake things likely. Witnesses should be aware of this
beer and some popcorn is not reality. Yes, it is trueas well. Lying during depositions, no matter where
that cases that go to court can look similar to thethey may be held is a criminal offense. During the
cases that appear on these shows, but anyonedeposition process you can expect the following:
interested in entering into a lawsuit must do their• Both sides will ask certain witnesses to come to
own research about what compromises a lawsuit.the deposition to give their testimonies. If a person
When they do, they will be prepared for what willrefuses to come to the depositions, he or she can
likely happen based on reality and not fiction.be subpoenaed and ordered to attend on threat of
Part of the reality of civil trials are the various stagespenalty including a fine or jail time
that comprise them. Each stage is important, but• Witnesses are made to take an oath of truth
depositions are arguably the most important stage.before they take the stand
During depositions, witnesses are called forward to• Witnesses are cross examined by both the
give their expert testimony. After this they are crossdefense and the prosecution
examined by the lawyers on both sides of the case.To find out more about the process of depositions in
Depositions can make or break a case. Great thoughtcivil trials, visit the website of the Iowa personal
should go into who you choose to bring up as ainjury lawyers at LaMarca & Landry, PC.
witness. Before you choose witness think about