Use of Depositions is a legal procedure used in civil trials in which a witness is asked questions by both the plaintiff and defendant, or their attorneys. The answers to these questions are recorded, transcribed, and used in court as evidence. Depositions may also be used in criminal trials, but are more commonly used in civil cases. There are two types of depositions: oral and written. An oral deposition is conducted in person, with the witness being questioned by attorneys in the presence of a court reporter. The answers given during the deposition are recorded by the court reporter and later transcribed into a written deposition. Written depositions are simply written statements from a witness that are used in court. Depositions are important because they allow attorneys to gather evidence and information from witnesses in a timely and controlled manner. They also allow attorneys to assess how a witness will do on the stand, since their answers during the deposition can provide insight into their credibility and demeanor.