Depositions

• Author: Scott Brister (Ret.)/Dan S. Boyd
• Pages: 969-1010

28-1

Chapter 28

DEPOSITIONS

QUICK VIEW

Definition: Though not defined by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, an oral deposition is sworn testimony,

subject to cross-examination, taken and recorded before trial.

Scope of chapter: Uses of depositions; scheduling; notices and subpoenas; preparation; conduct of examination;

objections; motions; sample forms.

Strategy and tactics: Prepare! Interview witnesses beforehand, if possible. Talk to your client to determine

expected areas of knowledge for witness. Obtain documents early (perhaps through request for production)

to review before questioning. Prepare outline for questioning. For deponent’s counsel: Prepare witness with

deposition procedure and expected areas of questioning. Stay alert. Preserve objections. Protect witness from

harassment.

Advantages: Depositions allow spontaneous responses not filtered through counsel; immediate follow-up ques-

tions; evaluation of the credibility and presentation of the witness; reorganization of testimony for trial; full

exploration of issues; quick notice and response time; available for nonparty.

Disadvantages: Costly for preparation time, time in deposition, and transcript itself; easy to reveal trial strategy.

Statutes and rules: TRCP 195, 199-203, 215; CPRC Chs 20, 22.

Related topics: All Discovery, Ch 24; Privileges, Ch 25; Requests for Disclosure, Ch 26; Inspection of

Documents, Ch 27; Interrogatories, Ch 30; Discovery Disputes, Ch 32.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Overview

A. General Principles

§28:01 Introduction

§28:02 Governing Rules

§28:03 Time Allowed for Depositions

§28:04 Considering Whether to Depose

B. Types of Depositions

§28:10 Oral Depositions

§28:11 Depositions on Written Questions

§28:12 Depositions to Perpetuate Testimony

§28:12.1 Depositions to Perpetuate Testimony in Medical Negligence Cases

§28:13 Foreign Depositions

(Rev. 10, 4/13)

TEXAS PRETRIAL PRACTICE 28-2

II. Functions

A. General Points

§28:18 Overview

§28:19 Scope

§28:20 Broad Fact Gathering

§28:21 Limited Fact Gathering

§28:22 Tie Down Opposition Witness’s Story

§28:23 Obtain Leverage for Settlement

§28:24 Authentication

B. Using Deposition Testimony At and After Trial

§28:29 Witness Does Not Have to Be Unavailable

§28:30 Impeach Witness

§28:31 Admissions of Party-Opponent

§28:32 On Appeal

§28:33 In Subsequent Actions

C. Use in Conjunction With Other Discovery Devices

§28:38 Timing and Order of Discovery

§28:39 Cost-Benefit Analysis

III. Taking a Deposition

A. Preparation

1. PROCEDURE

a. Select Deponent

§28:44 Parties

§28:45 Nonparties

§28:46 Corporations and Other Entities

b. Choose Location

§28:52 Which County

§28:53 Location Within County

§28:54 Counsel’s Office

§28:55 Deponent’s Place of Business

§28:56 Courthouse

c. Schedule Deposition

§28:62 Generally

§28:63 How Early

§28:64 How Late

§28:65 How Often

§28:66 How Long

§28:67 Informal Scheduling

§28:68 Priority of Depositions

d. Notice a Party’s Deposition

§28:74 General Requirements

§28:75 Identify the Deponent

§28:76 Describe the Subject Matter

§28:77 Set the Time and Place

§28:78 Documents and Things Requested in Notice

(Rev. 1, 12/00)

28-3 DEPOSITIONS

§28:79 Whom to Serve

§28:80 Filing

e. Subpoena a Nonparty Deponent

§28:86 General Requirements

§28:87 Document and Things Requested in Subpoena

§28:88 Whom to Serve

§28:89 Opponent’s Experts

§28:90 Filing

§28:91 Witness Fees; Travel Expenses

§28:92 Cross-Notice

f. Select Recording Method

§28:98 Stenographic Depositions

§28:99 Telephonic Depositions

§28:100 Non-Stenographic Depositions

g. Deposition Officers

§28:106 Qualifications

§28:107 Officers for Depositions

§28:108 Scheduling the Reporter

§28:109 Court Reporter Fees (Before Judgment)

§28:110 Court Reporter Fees (in Judgment)

§28:111 Signature of Witness

§28:112 Original Transcript

h. Interpreters

§28:118 For the Hearing Impaired

§28:119 For Non-English Speaking

§28:120 In Deposition on Written Questions

2. SUBSTANTIVE PREPARATION

a. General Considerations

§28:126 Introduction

§28:127 Know Your Case

§28:128 Know the Law

§28:129 Review Available Evidence

§28:130 Know Your Deponent

§28:131 Establish Goals

§28:132 Experts

b. Prepare Outline

§28:138 Overview

§28:139 Topics, Not Questions

§28:140 Organization Methods

§28:141 Integrate Documents Into Outline

c. Organize Exhibits in Advance

§28:146 Overview

§28:147 Make Copies

§28:148 Organize Documents

§28:149 Highlight Significant Portions

§28:150 Place Question Topics on Your Copies

(Rev. 10, 4/13)