What is a deposition?

• A. A document filed with the court.
• B. A testimony given before trial that can be used by both defense and prosecution.
• C. A verdict delivered by jury.
• D. An order from the judge to release a suspect.

Answer: (B)

A deposition is a sworn statement given outside the courtroom, usually before a trial, and recorded by a court reporter (often as a written transcript or video). The key idea is that the witness testifies under oath, and those remarks can be used later in court by either side, to present the testimony or to challenge it if the witness’s story changes. This process helps both defense and prosecution prepare by preserving what the witness would say and allowing thorough cross-examination at trial. It’s not a court document filed with the court, not a verdict, and not an order to release someone; those other options describe different actions in the legal process.