motion for leave to re depose witness when attorney instructs client not to answer at deposition

by Prof. Irving Hermiston 8 min read

The court granted the motion, and ordered defense counsel as follows: “you are ordered not to instruct the witness not to answer a question during any deposition in this case unless the matter is privileged. The proper procedure is to adjourn the deposition and move for protective order.

Full Answer

Can a witness refuse to answer a question during a deposition?

Jul 28, 2017 · The plaintiff brought a motion to compel. The court granted the motion, and ordered defense counsel as follows: “you are ordered not to instruct the witness not to answer a question during any deposition in this case unless the matter is privileged. The proper procedure is to adjourn the deposition and move for protective order.

Can a Category A witness take a deposition without leave of court?

served and filed electronically. I further certify that a copy of Complainant’s Motion for Leave to Take the Depositions of Witnesses Who Were Interviewed Under Oath by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration During the Investigation was electronically served on August 11, 2009 on the following parties: Charles H. Morgan, Esq.

What is the proper procedure for a motion to compel a witness?

Apr 04, 1991 · Probably the most often-cited case dealing with the propriety of instructing a witness not to answer questions at deposition involved a diversity action to recover damages for breach of a contract to sell soybeans. Ralston Purina Co. v. McFarland, 550 F.2d 967 (4th Cir. 1977). During pretrial discovery, the defendant took the deposition of the plaintiff’s principal …

Why was a motion to compel denied in a deposition?

simply to re-hash old testimony").4 As Respondent concedes in its Motion, counsel for LabMD covered every topic at the December 17, 2013 deposition on which Respondent seeks to re-depose Detective Jestes. See Resp't's Motion at 3-4. A second deposition would be unreasonably duplicative of the first, and therefore the Court should not grant leave.

When can an attorney instruct a client not to answer in a deposition?

Under California law, you can only instruct your witness not to answer when the information sought is privileged (e.g., “attorney-client” (Evid. Code § 950-962),”work-product” (CCP §§2018.010-2018.080)).Jul 28, 2017

When can you instruct witness not to answer?

Generally speaking, the only time a witness can be instructed not to answer a question is when the response is privileged. If the deponent's counsel instructs the witness not to answer a question, immediately ask the attorney to explain the basis of the instruction and make a record of it.May 2, 2018

Can you refuse to answer questions in a deposition Florida?

The Florida Rules of Civil Procedure provide no basis for an attorney to instruct a witness not to answer a question during a deposition. Comparatively, an attorney has the right to instruct a client not to answer questions which, if answered, would violate some type of privilege.Jun 6, 1994

What happens if deponent does not show up?

(a) If a deponent does not appear for a deposition because the party giving notice of the deposition failed to serve a required deposition subpoena, the court shall impose a monetary sanction under Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 2023.010) against that party, or the attorney for that party, or both, in favor of any ...

Can you depose your own client?

Normally, you cannot use a deposition transcript of your own client at trial… unless the witness is unavailable. And one of the clearest forms of unavailability is serious illness or death (you can't be any more unavailable to testify at trial than death).Nov 29, 2016

How do you not answer questions in a deposition?

in your deposition by, for example, saying they happen “never” or “always.” Qualifying your answers with words like “usually,” “generally,” “typically,” “it depends,” and “not necessarily” can help you avoid exaggerating with unwarranted absolutes. You must also answer completely. A half-truth is insufficient.

Can I refuse to give a deposition in Florida?

In the case of a deposition, since it must be requested through the issuance of a subpoena, choosing to not give testimony when formally requested may result in punishment for contempt of court, under the provision of Rule CR 37.

Can you depose someone twice in Florida?

Initially, as the court found in its order denying Plaintiff's second motion to compel, it is clear that the prohibition against deposing a second witness without leave of court exists to protect the witness.Dec 18, 2007

Can multiple attorneys ask questions at a deposition in Florida?

You cannot have multiple lawyers for one party ask questions of a single witness. This rule applies in both depositions and trials.Sep 9, 2014

How much notice is required for a deposition in California?

In most types of cases, for the deposition of a party to the case, you must provide at least 10 days' notice if personally served, and 15 days' notice if served by mail within California (California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) § 2025.270(a), § 1013).

How do you object to deposition notice?

(a) Any party served with a deposition notice that does not comply with Article 2 (commencing with Section 2025.210) waives any error or irregularity unless that party promptly serves a written objection specifying that error or irregularity at least three calendar days prior to the date for which the deposition is ...

How many days before a deposition can you object California?

A witness may also request a witness fee which is a nominal amount. Thoughts: If you are served and wish to object, you must file and serve a written objection immediately, and under all circumstances no later than three business days prior to the deposition date. (Add five calendar days for service by mail.)

Can a witness take notes during a deposition?

Don't prepare notes, documents or diaries: You cannot use any notes, diaries or any other documents to assist you during your deposition unless the document has been approved by your attorney prior to the deposition.

How do you object to deposition notice?

(a) Any party served with a deposition notice that does not comply with Article 2 (commencing with Section 2025.210) waives any error or irregularity unless that party promptly serves a written objection specifying that error or irregularity at least three calendar days prior to the date for which the deposition is ...

What does it mean to depose a witness?

depositionThe act of questioning a deponent under oath, either a witness or a party to a lawsuit, at a deposition. Such an action is taken during the pre-trial discovery process.

What is a contention question?

Contention interrogatories can be characterized as: “any question that asks another party to indicate what it contends . . . [a question asking] another party whether it makes some specified contention . . . [a question asking] an opposing party to state all facts on which it bases some specified contention . . .Nov 17, 2016

How do you take witness notes?

➢ Notes when you are testifying: List the points you wish to make during your testimony. Do not write out your testimony because it will sound prepared, stilted, and unconvincing. Give your evidence, then ask the Judge to let you look at your notes to make sure that you have covered all the points you wanted to make.

Are client notes privileged?

Notes made by a client to assist the client in preparing for his deposition were attorney-client or work-product privileged regardless of whether they were communicated to the attorney. In other words, “a client's notes are, ipso facto, attorney–client privileged.”Apr 21, 2020

Are depositions public record?

Unlike most trial transcripts, a deposition transcript and the audio or video of deposition testimony are not public records. All parties to a case in which a deposition is taken, as well as a deponent are entitled to obtain a copy of a deposition transcript.Jun 12, 2015

What happens after a deposition?

After a deposition and other aspects of the discovery phase have occurred, your lawsuit will typically include three important stages: mediation, trial, and appeal. Before your case reaches a trial, however, four essential steps generally take place.Nov 9, 2020

What is rule31?

DEPOSITIONS UPON WRITTEN QUESTIONS. (a) Serving Questions; Notice. After commencement of the action, any party may take the testimony of any person, including a party, either within or without the state, by deposition upon written questions.Dec 16, 2020

What does depose your client mean?

To make a deposition; to give evidence in the shape of a deposition; to make statements that are written down and sworn to; to give testimony that is reduced to writing by a duly qualified officer and sworn to by the deponent. To deprive an individual of a public employment or office against his or her will.

What are two antonyms for depose?

antonyms for deposeallow.obey.promote.upgrade.

Why do people depose?

Why take a deposition? Depositions are extremely important to all trials. They give attorneys for both sides the opportunity to determine what damaging testimony they will be up against in court during the trial.Mar 6, 2014

When can an attorney instruct a client not to answer in a deposition?

Under California law, you can only instruct your witness not to answer when the information sought is privileged (e.g., “attorney-client” (Evid. Code § 950-962),”work-product” (CCP §§2018.010-2018.080)).Jul 28, 2017

How do you draft a deposition question?

A deposition is a process whereby witnesses provide sworn evidence....Basic Background QuestionsWhat is your full name?Have you ever used any other names? Maiden name?Do you have any nicknames? What are they?What is your date of birth? Where were you born?What is your age?What is your social security number?Mar 22, 2017

Can you refuse to answer questions in a deposition Florida?

The Florida Rules of Civil Procedure provide no basis for an attorney to instruct a witness not to answer a question during a deposition. Comparatively, an attorney has the right to instruct a client not to answer questions which, if answered, would violate some type of privilege.Jun 6, 1994