California Private Investigator Practice Exam

What is a deposition?

1. A trial by jury

2. A written statement by a plaintiff

3. An interview under oath with a court reporter

4. A closing argument in a trial

The correct answer is: An interview under oath with a court reporter

A deposition is an important part of the pre-trial discovery process in legal proceedings. It involves an interview where a witness, often a party to a lawsuit, is questioned under oath by attorneys from both sides. A court reporter typically records the deposition, creating a transcript of the entire exchange. This process allows attorneys to gather information, assess the testimony of witnesses, and prepare their cases before going to trial. The information obtained can be pivotal in understanding the details of the case and can later be used in court if necessary. In contrast, the other options pertain to different aspects of the legal process. A trial by jury is the method of adjudicating disputes in which a jury makes a decision based on the evidence presented. A written statement by a plaintiff refers to documents such as complaints or affidavits that outline the plaintiff's case but do not involve the questioning process of a deposition. A closing argument is the final opportunity for attorneys to summarize their cases and persuade the jury or judge after all evidence has been presented, which is also distinct from the deposition process.