Deposition Summaries Example: Types of Transcripts

A deposition summaries make it possible for an attorney to stay on track when he or she interviews trial witnesses or cross-examines them. This key trial preparation tool is necessary for litigators who wish to remain organized while arguing a case in court. You can choose from one of several deposition summaries for example type formats. How you choose to proceed will depend on your case and budget.

Samples of Depo Summaries

The summarization of a depo is detailed and abridged – highlighting the key points of a deposition. Therefore summaries may take the following forms.

1. Page-Line

This type of depo summary is used often. However, it does take more time and money to draft and create. Nevertheless, it may be well worth the added expense, as it does provide the details of the deposition in an easy-to-read-and-follow format. It is normally presented in the form of two numbers, such as 30:5.

The number “30” in this case refers to page “30) and the number “5) refers to the fifth line of a deposition. Therefore, if you’re reading a summarized fact, you can use the numbers to go back and check the original deposition.

This type of summary can get rather lengthy, so you want to make sure it is condensed to one page for every 10 pages of testimony.

2. Topic-by-Topic

This deposition summary is broader in scope and therefore is less exact than a page-line depo summary. However, it also costs less to produce. Instead of page and line, it presents details of a deposition under specific categories. By using this format, the reader can get a fast overview of the info contained in the original deposition. This is a good summary to use if you’re referencing a witness’s testimony.

3. Chronological Format

This type of deposition summary is presented so a lawyer can establish timelines in a case. Therefore, this summary may be needed if a defendant’s or witness’s location is being reviewed during the time of a crime.

4. Issue Deposition Summary

If you’re working with a fact-specific law case that involves an employment or labor dispute, you may want to review the issues when you depose witnesses. This type of demo summary presents the key issues of a legal case. Some litigators use a chart for the summarization.

Choosing a Summary Type

The deposition form you choose will be based on your legal case and the type of deposition that was originally produced. Depositions may be oral, recorded via video, or be given in the form of written interrogatories.

Conclusion

Your deposition summary is an important tool. If you want a highly polished transcript, outsource the work to a professional company. Let them transform the question-and-answer format of the deposition and turn it into an aid – a guide that will help you corroborate your client’s action or defense in a criminal or civil law case.