What is the purpose of a deposition in a legal context?

The purpose of a deposition in a legal context is fundamentally centered around the process of gathering sworn testimony from a witness or party involved in a legal case. This is accomplished through a formal questioning process where the deponent, or the person giving the testimony, answers questions posed by attorneys from both sides while under oath. This process allows attorneys to probe for facts, clarify details related to disputes, and gather evidence to be used in court or during settlement negotiations.

Depositions serve as a crucial tool in the discovery phase of litigation, providing both sides the opportunity to assess the strength of each other’s cases, establish facts, and prepare for trial. The testimony recorded during a deposition may later be used in court if the witness cannot appear at trial, or it may be referenced for impeachment purposes if the witness's in-court testimony differs from what was said during the deposition. This ensures a thorough understanding of the case and aids in ensuring a fair legal process by allowing both sides to prepare adequately.

In contrast, the other options refer to processes unrelated to the purpose of a deposition. Providing real estate through a will pertains to estate planning, compiling court case summaries involves summarizing legal cases but not gathering sworn testimony, and drafting legal documents for court is a function of