Am I Required to Testify in a Deposition?

Posted By Cliff Tuttle | May 1, 2009

Posted by Cliff Tuttle

A Pennsylvania resident asked a question on AVVO Answers concerning whether he is required to testify at a deposition. The answer is a qualified yes. Click on the highlighted word “question” above to read the question and answer.

A deposition involves testimony under oath. The court reporter who transcribes the testimony is a notary public and will administer an oath. That means that false testimony at a deposition could be subject to penalties for perjury, just as though it was given in court.

However, the right to depose a witness is not unlimited. The questions must be related to a suit or claim filed in court and must be reasonably calculated to lead to evidence that can be admitted at trial. If you object to the questions being asked for a legitimate reason, your lawyer may be able to obtain a protective order from a judge.

CLT

Welcome

CLIFF TUTTLE has been a Pennsylvania lawyer for over 45 years and (inter alia) is a real estate litigator and legal writer. The posts in this blog are intended to provide general information about legal topics of interest to lawyers and consumers with a Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania focus. However, this information does not constitute legal advice and there is no lawyer-client relationship created when you read this blog. You are encouraged to leave comments but be aware that posted comments can be read by others. If you wish to contact me in privacy, please use the Contact Form located immediately below this message. I will reply promptly and in strict confidence.

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