DEPOSITION Meaning and
Definition
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Deposition, as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, refers to a formal written statement or oral testimony given under oath for the purpose of providing evidence in a legal proceeding. It involves the act of deposing, which is the process of obtaining information from a witness or party involved in a lawsuit to be used as evidence for trial.
In a legal context, a deposition is typically conducted outside the courtroom setting, in a lawyer's office or another neutral location. The witness, who could be the plaintiff, defendant, or any other person with relevant knowledge, is questioned by attorneys from both sides of the case. The testimony given during a deposition is legally binding and carries the same weight as if it were given in court.
During a deposition, the witness is required to answer questions truthfully, to the best of their ability, regarding matters relevant to the case. The purpose is to gather information, establish facts, and discover potential evidence that may aid in the resolution of the legal dispute. Depositions can be taken in civil or criminal cases, and they allow attorneys to assess the credibility and reliability of witnesses before trial.
Additionally, a deposition can also refer to the process in which sediments, particles, or substances settle and accumulate over time, such as the deposition of sedimentary rock layers or the deposition of plaques in blood vessels. This secondary meaning emphasizes the gradual accumulation or settling of material in a natural or physical context.
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The act of laying or throwing down; that which is laid down; the giving testimony under oath; a written copy of the same attested by the signature of the witness; the depriving of office or dignity.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for DEPOSITION *
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Other Common Misspellings for DEPOSITION
Etymology of DEPOSITION
The word "deposition" originates from the Latin term "depositio", which is derived from the verb "deponere". "Deponere" is composed of two elements: "de", which means "down" or "away from", and "ponere", meaning "to place" or "to put". Thus, "deponere" literally translates to "to put down" or "to lay aside". Over time, the meaning of "depositio" evolved to refer to the act of laying something down or putting it aside, especially in a legal context, where it came to designate the testimony of a witness given outside of court. The term later extended to encompass the legal removal of a person from office, resulting in the modern usage of "deposition" to describe a formal statement made under oath for use as evidence in a legal proceeding.
Idioms with the word DEPOSITION
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acid deposition
The idiom "acid deposition" refers to the process in which acidic substances, such as sulfuric and nitric acids, are deposited on the Earth's surface as a result of human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels. This deposition can occur in various forms, including rain, snow, fog, or dry particles, and can have detrimental effects on ecosystems, soil, water bodies, and man-made structures.
Similar spelling words for DEPOSITION
- deposit box,
- deep-set,
- defection,
- depository,
- position,
- depiction,
- depositor,
- disposition,
- Depositing,
- deposit,
- defecation,
- opposition.
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