An outline sequences examination topics, identifies exhibits to be used with each, notes the admissions sought, and flags prior statements available for confrontation. It guides rather than scripts the examination.
It is attorney work product.
Alternative Names:
Examination Outline, Deposition Plan
Why it Matters?
Outlines built as topic and objective lists work better than scripted questions, because a script prevents following an unexpected answer and produces an examination that ignores what the witness actually said. Identifying the specific admissions sought is the discipline that matters most, since an examination without stated objectives produces a long transcript and few usable answers. Sequencing to establish foundation before confrontation is the other structural decision.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Should an outline script the questions?
What is the most useful discipline?
