Miscellaneous

Are depositions confidential?

Are depositions confidential?

A deposition transcript is not usually filed as part of the public record. In addition, a protective order can be issued by a court for any exhibits or transcripts to stay confidential. While this is generally how most cases play out, there are still some reasons why a deposition transcript might be made public record.

Why are depositions videotaped?

Videotaping a deposition allows a jury to see what the person is like, their tone, any nervous habits, moments of pause, idiosyncrasies of the witness, and facial expressions. All of these go directly to the witness’s credibility. This is one reason it is imperative to videotape all depositions.

Who is the person to be deposed at a deposition?

The court reporter, who is an officer of the court, administers the oath to the deponent. The person to be deposed (questioned) at a deposition, known as the deponent, is usually notified to appear at the appropriate time and place by means of a subpoena. Frequently the most desired witness (the deponent) is an opposite party to the action.

Can a party to a Florida case attend a deposition?

The Florida Rules of Civil Procedure and Florida caselaw make it clear that a party to an action may attend any deposition relevant to the lawsuit in which they are a party. If the plaintiff’s live-in boyfriend is not a party to the action, the results may be different.

How are depositions carried out in federal court?

In almost all cases pending in United States federal courts, depositions are carried out under Rule 30 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. About 35 states use versions of the FRCP in their state courts. Other states have discovery rules that are set out either in court rules or statutes, and which vary somewhat from one state to another.

How can I exclude someone from a deposition?

The correct tactic would be for that party or his/her counsel to immediately suspend the deposition to apply for a court order to exclude the person. This is not that unusual. Many attorneys move to exclude expert witnesses or consultants from the deposition.

Can a judge be present at a deposition?

There is no judge or jury present. your attorney (or the attorney defending the deposition, if you are a witness and not a party) may make objections. These objections are to preserve the record. You may be told by the attorney to go ahead and answer the question despite an objection.

Can a person be excluded from a deposition?

See CCP §2025.420 (b) (12) (any party, deponent, or other affected person or organization may move for protective order to exclude designated persons—other than the parties to the action and their officers and counsel—from the deposition).

Why do I want to take a deposition?

If something new arises as a result of an answer from the deponent, the attorney can continue to inquire about those issues. Sometimes, you find really awesome facts for your case during a deposition because you asked the right questions as the lawyer and you got the right answer. As trust and will litigation attorneys, we like depositions.

Are there any rules to follow when being deposed?

The following are list of rules to follow when being deposed: Remember, you cannot win your case at your deposition. While this is probably the first opportunity that you have had to explain your side of the controversy, there is no judge or jury to decide your case at the deposition.