Using Deposition Transcripts to Impeach a Witness

Depositions held in San Jose serve multiple purposes. Not only are legal depositions fact-finding endeavors, but they are also opportunities to discredit the other party’s witnesses later on in the legal process. For example, while your witness is testifying at the trial, you can ask him or her to read a relevant section of the deposition transcript provided by the court reporter. Assuming that the witness’s answer given during the deposition is different, you can then ask the court reporter for a read back of the answer given during the trial.

For tips on how to approach a witness who has committed perjury, watch this in-depth video. This lawyer explains the importance of conducting cross-examination in such a way that allows the jury to fully understand what depositions are. Once they are aware that a deposition involves testimony given under oath, the jury can then understand the significance of the witness giving a contrary answer.