A deposition is __________.

A deposition is defined as an oral testimony made under oath, typically occurring outside of the courtroom but in a legal setting. During a deposition, a witness is asked questions by the attorneys involved in a case, and their responses are recorded for later use in court. This process is crucial as it allows both parties to gather information and understand the witness's perspective before the actual trial begins.

The deposition serves to preserve testimony and can help to narrow down issues, making trial proceedings more efficient. It is legally binding, and failure to answer questions can have legal consequences. Understanding this definition is vital for those in the field of fire investigation, as they may need to provide testimony related to their findings, and knowing how depositions work will prepare them for potential legal proceedings.