For those who have, or are currently enrolled in Civil Procedure II, you likely explored Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 30: Deposition by Oral Examination. While that day’s lesson probably taught you the mechanics of depositions, it might have left you wondering, as an inexperienced soon-to-be attorney, how it is lawyers actually use a deposition. For students hoping to have a career in the courtroom, learning how to make use of these out-of-court discovery tools is essential. Deposition Practicum is a course designed to assist students on preparing and effectively utilizing this tool in the discovery process.
While having some role in criminal litigation, depositions are more frequently used in civil litigation for settling disputes. Depositions may function as substantive evidence and may also provide the means by which to impeach witnesses during the trial setting. Deposition Practicum focuses on teaching students how to define the goals of a deposition, perfect questioning techniques, and recognize various tactical considerations to make the best use of your depositions.
In addition to providing a forum to hone your deposition skills, the course also satisfies a requirement in both the Trial Advocacy and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate programs. When choosing classes next semester, consider Deposition Practicum as an opportunity to enhance your understanding of depositions while developing an important litigation skill.
