Depositions

• Author: Michael H. Barr/Burton N. Lipshie/Sharon Stern Gerstman
• Pages: 67-114

Chapter 27

DEPOSITIONS

QUICK VIEW

Definition: An oral deposition is sworn testimony, subject to cross-examination, taken and recorded before

trial. [CPLR 3113.]

Scope of Chapter: Uses of depositions. Scheduling. Notices and subpoenas. Preparation. Conduct of

examination. Objections. Motions. Sample forms.

Strategy and Tactics:

For the Examiner:

• Get relevant documents first.

• Carefully consider the order of deponents.

• Prepare thorough outline, but don’t follow it slavishly.

• Ask terse, precise questions.

• Utilize the deposition as an opportunity for broad fact gathering, as well as to obtain specific

admissions.

• Don’t allow the deponent’s lawyer to rattle you or prevent you from obtaining answers to the questions

you pose.

• Take your time, but be efficient to keep costs down.

For the Deponent’s Counsel:

• Prepare your witness.

• Review documents.

• Rehearse likely questions and subjects.

• Discuss the deposition setting and process.

• Stay alert to interpose objections.

• Stay attentive to and be protective of the witness’s composure and emotional swings.

• Try to control the rhythm and flow of the deposition.

Statutes and Rules: CPLR 3106-3117; 22 NYCRR 202.15.

Related Topics: Scope and Timing of Disclosure, Ch 24; Privileges, Ch 25; Document Inspections, Ch 26;

Discovery Disputes, Ch 31.

Forms: See digital access for the following forms:

• Form 27:10, Deposition on Written Questions.

• Form 27:20, Deposition Notice.

• Form 27:30, Deposition Notice With Document Request.

NEW YORK CIVIL PRACTICE BEFORE TRIAL 27-2

• Form 27:40, Notice of Motion for Nonparty Deposition.

• Form 27:50, Affirmation in Support of Motion to Depose Nonparty Witness.

• Form 27:60, Subpoena Duces Tecum.

• Form 27:70, Letter Objecting to Notice of Deposition.

• Form 27:80, Notice of Motion to Quash Subpoena Duces Tecum.

• Form 27:90, Letter Requesting Deposition Corrections.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Overview

A. General Principles

§27:01 Introduction

§27:02 Governing Rules

§27:03 Not Available with Interrogatories in Negligence Actions

§27:04 Whether to Depose

§27:05 Costs

B. Types of Depositions

§27:10 Oral Depositions

§27:11 Depositions on Written Questions

§27:12 Telephonic Depositions

II. Functions

A. Generally

§27:20 Overview

§27:21 Broad Fact Gathering

§27:22 Limited Fact Gathering

§27:23 Tie Down Opposition Witness’s Story

§27:24 Obtain Leverage for Settlement

§27:25 Authentication

B. Using Deposition Testimony at and After Trial

1. WHEN AVAILABLE

§27:30 Impeach Witness

§27:31 Deposition of Party

§27:32 Unavailable Witnesses

§27:33 Medical Practitioners

2. USE AND EFFECT OF TESTIMONY

§27:40 Deponent Is the Witness of the Introducing Party

§27:41 In Subsequent Actions

§27:42 On Appeal

C. Use in Conjunction with Other Discovery Devices

§27:50 Timing & Order of Discovery

§27:51 Cost-Benefit Analysis

27-3 DEPOSITIONS

III. Taking a Deposition

A. Preparation

1. PROCEDURE

a. Select Deponents

§27:60 Parties

§27:61 Non-Parties

§27:62 Corporate Officers

§27:63 Unidentified Deponents

§27:64 Experts

§27:65 Prisoners

b. Choose Location

§27:70 Which County

§27:71 Location Within County

§27:72 Another State

§27:73 Foreign Country

c. Schedule the Deposition

§27:80 How Early

§27:81 How Late

§27:82 How Often

§27:83 Informal Scheduling

d. Notice Party’s Deposition

§27:90 General Requirements

§27:91 Document and Item Requests in Notice

§27:92 When to Serve

§27:93 Cross-Notice

§27:94 Whom to Serve

§27:95 Filing

e. Subpoena Non-Party Deponent

§27:100 General Requirements

§27:101 Document and Item Requests

§27:102 When to Serve

§27:103 Whom to Serve

§27:104 Filing

§27:105 Witness Fees; Travel Expenses

f. Select Recording Method

§27:110 Stenographic Recording

§27:111 Audiotape or Videotape

§27:112 Written Questions

g. Deposition Officer

§27:120 Qualifications

§27:121 Officer’s Duties

§27:122 Scheduling the Officer

§27:123 Officer’s Fees

h. Translators

§27:130 In Deposition

§27:131 For Questions to Court