Uniform Interstate Depositions Act

Uniform Interstate Depositions Act

Uniform Interstate Depositions Act

The act allows a party to present a subpoena from the trial state to the clerk in the discovery state, who issues a subpoena in that state's form without requiring a separate action or court appearance.

Most states have adopted it.

Alternative Names:

UIDDA, Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act

Why it Matters?

Adoption converted a process requiring commissions and separate proceedings into a clerical submission, which substantially reduced cost and delay in multi-state discovery. The remaining friction is variation in local requirements, since states apply their own service and objection procedures to the resulting subpoena. Confirming the discovery state's requirements before submission avoids a rejected filing.

Frequently asked questions

What does the act simplify?

What does the act simplify?

It converts out-of-state subpoena issuance into a clerical submission rather than requiring a commission or separate court proceeding.

What friction remains?

What friction remains?

Local variation, since the discovery state applies its own service and objection procedures to the issued subpoena.