Taking Effective Depositions

LAW8026
Section 1, Fall 23

Schedule Information

Enrollment: 16/16
Credits: 2
Days Time Room Start Date End Date

Tue

 		1800-2000 WB278

Course Description

Questioning witnesses is the best way to ascertain the facts of a case, to identify which facts are in dispute, and to determine the validity of any dispute. Depositions are also the best way to discover the credibility, character, likeability, and communication skills of an opposing party or other witness. In this course, students will learn and practice deposition techniques—such as open-ended questions, exhaustion, restating, summarizing, and boxing in—across a variety of practice areas. They will depose parties, fact witnesses, expert witnesses, and corporate representatives; defend depositions, objecting where appropriate; and learn to deal with evasive witnesses and obstructive opposing counsel.

Course Requirements

Exam Information

Final Type (if any): None

Description: None

Written Work Product

Students will prepare and turn in written deposition questions prior to their mock depositions of parties and expert witnesses; write a corporate deposition notice; and respond to discussion posts on Canvas.

Other Work

Over the first half of the semester, students will learn and practice deposition skills. During the second half of the semester, they will take mock depositions of parties, expert witnesses, and corporate representatives.

Other Course Details

Prerequisites: (Civil Procedure (6000)) AND (Evidence (6104)) Also, because the credits in this course count toward the JD Program Professional Skills requirement, JD candidates will be given enrollment priority for this class. Concurrencies: None

Exclusive With: None

Laptops Allowed: Yes

First Day Attendance Required: No

Course Resources: To be announced.

Graduation Requirements

Satisfies Understanding Bias/Racism/Cross-Cultural Competency requirement: No

Satisfies Writing Requirement: No

Credits For Prof. Skills Requirement: Yes

Satisfies Professional Ethics: No

Additional Course Information

Schedule No.: 123819825

Modified Type: Simulation

Cross Listed: No

Concentrations: Litigation and Procedure

Evaluation Portal Via LawWeb Opens: Friday, November 24, 12:01 AM

Evaluation Portal Via LawWeb Closes: Friday, December 08, 11:59 PM

Information reflected on this page was last refreshed at: Friday, May 17, 2024 - 7:03 AM *

*During open enrollment periods, live enrollment data may be found in SIS.