Depositions
Author | Michael H. Barr/Burton N. Lipshie/Sharon Stern Gerstman |
Pages | 65-112 |
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 examina-
tion. 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 admis-
sions.
• 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
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