Los Angeles, CA asked in Personal Injury for California

Q: Deposition by non-party w/o appearance during discovery.

What statute provides, that personal appearance and testimony of deponent is REQUIRED for written deposition?

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: In California, a deposition typically requires the personal appearance and testimony of the deponent, whether it's oral or written. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 2025.330, depositions can be taken either by oral examination or by written questions. However, even with written questions, the deponent is required to provide testimony under oath, which may involve personal appearance, depending on how the deposition is arranged.

When dealing with a non-party in discovery, subpoenas are used to compel their testimony. California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1987.1 gives courts the authority to enforce the personal appearance of a non-party if their testimony is needed for the case. This may apply to a deposition conducted through written questions if personal presence is essential for ensuring that the deponent is properly sworn in and gives accurate answers.

If you are handling a case involving a non-party deposition, it's important to follow the correct procedures and ensure that the deponent complies with legal requirements for testimony, whether written or oral. If you are uncertain, reviewing the relevant statutes or consulting with legal resources may clarify the specifics in your situation.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.