Nolo's Deposition Handbook (1st Edition) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Albert J. Moore (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Court cases are never as quick and tidy as television dramas would have us believe. In fact, most civil disputes are settled long before a judge has a chance to pound a gavel. That's why pretrial fact-finding procedures such as depositions play an increasingly important role in legal quarrels. In fact, it's not uncommon for a deposition to be the only testimony given. All of this explains why Nolo's Deposition Handbook can be such a useful resource. For the uninitiated, depositions are the process that enable either party in a lawsuit to question the other, as well as other witnesses, under oath before a trial begins. To prepare readers, authors (and attorneys) Paul Bergman and Albert Moore do a commendable job of dealing with real-life issues, such as what to do--and not to do--in preparation for a deposition, what to do if you're asked to bring documents to a deposition, how far you can be required to travel, and how to deal with trick questions that many lawyers love to ask. Three "Golden Rules" are also offered to help people through the deposition process. Put simply, the rules are to listen to the entire question and then answer only that question; answer truthfully and completely; and if you don't understand a question, don't answer it. The tone of the entire book acknowledges--without being condescending--that legal arenas are an area where novices feel quite underqualified. For example, the authors warn against engaging in seemingly harmless chit-chat with a companion before and during breaks in a deposition. The reason is one that most non-lawyers would be hard-pressed to imagine: Deposing counsel can ask the companion to reveal what the deponent said. Of course, readers intrigued by that line of thinking will thoroughly enjoy the last half of the book, which is devoted to those interested in representing themselves in legal matters. --John Russell

Review

"Nolo publications are known for their clarity and reader friendliness. -- "New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Nolo has excellent materials if you're in a do-it-yourself legal mood." -- Houston Chronicle

"Nolo publications g"uide people simply through the how, when, where and why of the law." -- The Washington Post --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Nolo; 1st edition (October 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873375386
• ISBN-13: 978-0873375382
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,804,974 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Complete Text and Handy Introductory Guide, July 21, 2004

By	Cynthia Brewer "Information Guru" (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nolo's Deposition Handbook (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

As a monitor of the information desk at the Harold Washington Library, Chicago's main library, I regularly make referrals to people looking for all kinds of information. Whenever I'm asked about books on depositions, the first one that comes to mind is "The Deposition Handbook: A Guide To Help You Give A Winning Deposition," by Virginia A. Lathan.

But recently I also came across this book, "Nolo's Deposition Handbook," and I'm thoroughly impressed by the in-depth information it contains on all aspects of the deposition process. Not only is the book well written, but it also has a useful glossary for readily looking up legal terms. It also contains numerous examples of what the author is trying to convey. Additionally, it's well indexed. I particularly found the appendices helpful, because they contain excerpts from the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and also web site addresses for obtaining information about discovery rules for particular states. I think this book would be a tremendous asset for parties to a lawsuit, people who represent themselves in court, and even lawyers who need to refresh themselves on the many aspects of depositions.

However, because the book is so thorough, I will still recommend people check out Virginia Lathan's book. Her simple-and-concise book reminds me of "Cliff Notes," those handy little pamphlets that highlight key points and make it easier to navigate your way through the voluminous writings of complete texts. For that reason, I suggest that you consider purchasing both books, because when thy're used in unison, you'll have all the reference books you need to help you give a winning deposition.

As a matter of fact, in one of his other books, "Represent Yourself in Court" (2nd edition), Paul Bergman highly praised Virginia Lathan's "Deposition Handbook."

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars outline for fast pace reader, October 14, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Nolo's Deposition Handbook (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

As typical from Nolo press writers, this is a very effective book well structured and with useful materials.
The framework given is very practical and applicable. I strongly recommend for anyone involved in a deposition.
Just to give the proof, it helped me to face 3 days of deposition by a nasty attorney as under handed as you can get....I survived it.
Thanks to the authors and in all cases, be prepared !

17 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Useful information for anyone facing a deposition, May 10, 2000

By A Customer

Depositions are part of the arcane ritual of American litigation. I was recently deposed (as an expert witness) and found the book full of practical information. I can recommend it to anyone unfamiliar with the process.