Chapter 10 : Depositions

Abstract:

This chapter talks about depositions of an expert witness, and provides a clear understanding of what a deposition is and its purpose. The expert witness is deposed by the attorney or attorneys of the opposition for the purpose of learning what the expert testimony will be at trial as well as what the expert's demeanor is. The opposing attorney may be charged for the time the expert witness spends in preparing for the deposition, the deposition itself, and expert witness's review of the deposition transcript. Many depositions are now videotaped, especially when the expert witness is be unable to appear at trial or is beyond the jurisdiction of the court issuing the subpoena. Depositions are choreographed fishing expeditions. The initial questions are general and concern the expert witness's education, training, and experience. The deposing attorney may ask trick questions based on the expert witness previous answers or may save basic opinion-type questions for the end when the expert witness is exhausted. However, at the conclusion of the deposition, the expert witness reserves the right to review the transcript for errors.