# Deposition

> Sworn out-of-court testimony given by a witness or party under oath, used to gather evidence and establish trial testimony.

**Category:** Legal Procedure
**Canonical URL:** https://drugsmonitor.com/glossary/deposition
**Last updated:** 2026-06-11

In mass tort litigation, depositions are conducted of plaintiffs, treating physicians, expert witnesses, corporate representatives (under Rule 30(b)(6)), and fact witnesses. Plaintiff depositions typically cover medical history, product use, and alleged injuries.

Depositions are critical because testimony given under oath can be used to impeach a witness at trial if their story changes. Preparing thoroughly with your attorney before a deposition is essential.

Corporate representative depositions in pharmaceutical cases often target what the company knew about safety risks, when they knew it, and what actions they took. These depositions can produce key evidence for plaintiff claims.

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*Glossary entry from DrugsMonitor.com.*