What is a deposition in legal terms?

A deposition is indeed a pretrial recorded statement of a party or witness taken under oath. This legal process occurs during the discovery phase of a lawsuit, allowing attorneys to gather information and assess the strengths and weaknesses of their case. Depositions are conducted outside of the courtroom, where a court reporter records the testimony, which can later be used during the trial or for settlement negotiations.

This procedure is key for building a case, as it provides insight into the witness's perspective and can uncover details that may not surface through other means. The recorded statements can also be crucial in impeachment, should a witness's in-court testimony later contradict their deposition.

In contrast, the other options refer to different aspects of legal proceedings. A formal court ruling on a case characterizes a judgment made by a judge, while a type of evidence presented in a trial specifically relates to items or information used to prove or disprove something in court. A ruling made by a jury describes a verdict that is reached based on the deliberation of the jury members after the trial has concluded. Each of these elements plays a unique role in the judicial process, differentiating them clearly from the purpose and function of a deposition.