Is a deposition the same as a subpoena?

Asked by: Dr. Nicholaus Dibbert Jr.  |  Last update: July 19, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (20 votes)

A subpoena is a legal document that “orders” someone to appear either at a court, or in this case, a deposition. A deposition is essentially an interview between the opposing side's lawyer and yourself. Effectively reading the deposition subpoena is the first step in preparing for your deposition.

What is a subpoena for a deposition?

A Deposition Subpoena is a court order requiring a person who is not a party to a lawsuit to provide copies of business records and/or appear at a deposition to answer questions asked by one party in a lawsuit.

What is the purpose of a court deposition?

JF: A deposition is an opportunity for parties in a civil lawsuit to obtain testimony from a witness under oath prior to trial. It's part of the discovery process by which parties gather facts and information so they can be better prepared at trial to present their claims and defenses.

What is the difference between a deposition and testifying?

Testifying at a deposition is similar to giving testimony at a trial, except that no judge or jury is present, and objections to questions are less common. The lawyers representing each party to the case will be present at the deposition along with a court reporter hired to make a transcript of the proceedings.

Can you refuse to answer questions at a deposition?

You can object to any questions in a deposition, but you may be compelled to answer if a judge overrules the objection in court. In many cases, questions that do not have to be answered fall into three categories: Private information.

SUBPOENAED for a Deposition?! WHAT NEXT? | Deposition Preparation

21 related questions found

What not to say during a deposition?

What Should You Not Say During a Deposition?
  • Guessing or Speculating on Things. ...
  • Saying Things Out of Anger. ...
  • Rambling. ...
  • Speaking in Absolutes. ...
  • Stick to the Facts. ...
  • Take Your Time When Answering Questions. ...
  • Use “Yes” or “No” Answers Whenever Possible. ...
  • Get Through Each Question on Its Own.

What is the best way to answer a question in a deposition?

Be honest. It's important to always tell the truth during a deposition, even if you think the answer may not be favorable to your case. Lying or providing misleading answers can have serious legal consequences and can damage your credibility.

Is a deposition a good thing?

The deposition is an opportunity to learn the facts – good and bad – to prepare for trial. Second, a deposition preserves the parties' version of events. That's why depositions are part of the official record and either transcribed by a court reporter or recorded.

Can you instruct a witness not to answer at a deposition?

Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 30(c)(3) states, in pertinent part: “A person may instruct a deponent not to answer only when necessary to preserve a privilege, to enforce a limitation ordered by the court, or to present a motion under Rule 30(d)(3).” It is therefore clear that there are generally only three reasons ...

What makes a good witness in a deposition?

Don't interrupt the question.

Take your time before answering, think through the answer thoroughly, and give a level response. Don't use nods of head, “uh-huhs,” or “uh-uhs “. Testimony should be crystal clear so when the transcript is read the answer is obvious.

How long after deposition will they settle?

After a deposition, it may take several weeks to several months to receive a settlement. The length of time required will vary depending on how complicated the case is and how much evidence must be obtained. In most cases, the sooner you have your deposition, the sooner you expect to receive your settlement.

Can a settlement be made at a deposition?

Negotiations in personal injury cases typically happen before, during, and even after a trial. The parties often continue negotiating back and forth until they reach a settlement. It's common for a settlement to be finalized during or after the deposition phase of a personal injury trial.

What questions are asked in a deposition?

Basic Background Questions
  • What is your full name?
  • Have you ever used any other names? Maiden name?
  • Do you have any nicknames? What are they?
  • What is your date of birth? Where were you born?
  • What is your age?
  • What is your social security number?

What makes a subpoena invalid?

Rule 176.6 specifies that a subpoena may be quashed or modified if it “fails to allow reasonable time for compliance,” “requires a person to travel to a place that is more than 150 miles away,” or “requires disclosure of privileged or other protected matter and no exception or waiver applies.”

How do you object to a subpoena for deposition?

They can object to the subpoena in writing, after which the party that issued the subpoena must ask the court to rule on whether or not the subpoena can be enforced. The third party can also go to court themselves by filing a motion for a protective order or a motion to quash the subpoena.

Is a deposition a witness statement?

A deposition is taking a witness' testimony outside of court. At a deposition, the witness is sworn in, and answers questions under penalty of perjury. A court reporter is hired to transcribe the testimony. The witness might also be audio or video recorded.

How do you prepare a witness for a deposition?

Deposition Tips
  1. Be prepared. ...
  2. Think before answering. ...
  3. Never volunteer information. ...
  4. Make sure you understand the question. ...
  5. You must tell the truth. ...
  6. Don't get rattled or upset. ...
  7. Don't guess. ...
  8. If you do not remember, say so.

Are depositions yes or no questions?

You don't have to just say “yes” or “no” to the opposing attorney's question, even if he's asking you to just answer yes or no. You don't have to accept his choice of words, his premise, or his framework. You can use your own words and you can explain why it isn't a simple “yes” or “no” answer.

What do you wear to a deposition?

Avoid using too much cologne or wearing jewelry. If in doubt about their appropriateness, remove any piercings and cover any tattoos. Think business casual. In most cases, slacks (black, brown, or khaki) and a long-sleeved dress shirt are the best option for a deposition.

What are the consequences of deposition?

The environmental consequences of this process can be harmful or beneficial. On one side deposition is a cleansing of the air and a transport of additional nutrients to plants. On the other side, deposition of sulfur and nutrients may contribute to acidification and eutrophication of various ecosystems.

Should I be nervous during a deposition?

Movies and TV have ingrained in us that depositions are scary things. But if you're properly prepared, and understand how the process works, depositions are nothing to be nervous or concerned about.

What happens to matter during deposition?

Deposition is when a substance in gas form changes states to become a solid. The gaseous substance gets deposited (usually as crystals) bypassing the intermediate liquid state. An example of deposition is when water vapor in the atmosphere changes directly into ice, such as the formation of frost.

Who questions you during deposition?

In a deposition, the opposing attorney (counsel) will ask you various questions, and those questions and your answers will be recorded by an official court reporter. There is little difference between testimony at a deposition and testimony in the courtroom, except that there is no judge presiding during a deposition.

What is a easy sentence for deposition?

She gave a videotaped deposition about what she saw that night. His attorneys took depositions from the witnesses.

Who asks questions first in a deposition?

The parties or their attorneys have the ability to ask questions of the person being deposed. Usually the person who requested the deposition will ask questions first.