What are depositions?

• A. DNR
• B. Confidentiality
• C. Common Law
• D. Depositions

Answer: (D)

A deposition is sworn, out-of-court testimony given by a witness, usually during civil litigation, that is recorded by a court reporter. It happens during the discovery phase to gather information for trial and to preserve what the witness will say if they can't be in court later. The testimony is under oath, with attorneys present, and can be used at trial to impeach a witness or to support motions, subject to evidentiary rules and privileges. In nursing-legal contexts, depositions often arise in malpractice or regulatory matters and help both sides understand the facts before going to trial or settlement. This concept differs from a Do Not Resuscitate order, which concerns patient treatment preferences, from confidentiality, which protects patient information, and from common law, which is the broad body of judge-made law.