Which party presents a deposition?

• A. The witness
• B. The side that requested it (trial counsel or defense counsel)
• C. The judge
• D. The successor

Answer: (B)

Depositions are a discovery tool where a witness testifies under oath and is recorded for later use. The party that requested the deposition—the side that sought to obtain the witness’s testimony—controls the process and conducts the questioning (their counsel directs the direct examination, with the opposing counsel allowed to cross-examine). The judge supervises and rules on objections, but does not “present” the deposition itself. The witness provides the sworn testimony, and the transcript is created by a court reporter. So, the deposition is presented by the party who requested it because that party organizes it, questions the witness, and preserves the record for possible use at trial.