Deposition

Term: DepositionDefinition: A deposition is a sworn, out-of-court testimony given by a witness or party to a lawsuit, which is recorded and can be used in court. It allows attorneys to gather information and assess the credibility of witnesses.Phonetic Pronunciation: (dep-uh-ZISH-uhn)Origin: The term "deposition" derives from the Latin word "depositio," meaning "a laying down" or "a putting away." In legal contexts, it refers to the act of giving sworn testimony that is recorded for later use.Significance in Asbestos Context: In asbestos litigation, depositions are crucial as they help establish facts about exposure, negligence, and liability. They are often used to gather detailed accounts from former coworkers, employers, or experts on asbestos use and safety protocols.Example Sentence: During the asbestos lawsuit, the plaintiff's attorney scheduled a deposition with a former coworker to document the working conditions and asbestos exposure at the factory.Related Terms: Testimony, Discovery, Interrogation, Subpoena, TranscriptNotes: - Depositions can be taken by either party in a lawsuit. - They are often conducted by attorneys, but can also involve court reporters and videographers. - The information obtained can be pivotal in deciding whether to settle or proceed to trial.