Depositions serve two
important functions in pre-trial procedure. First, they can be used to discover
what a witness or party will say and tie down the witness’s story. Second, they
can be used to create testimony which can be used at trial. However, the ability
to use a non-party deposition at trial differs between Texas state and federal
courts, a distinction which can be important into an attorney’s trial
preparation. A recent decision from the Fifth Circuit highlights this
distinction. Case No. 20-50604, Spectrum Association Management of Texas,
LLC v. Lifetime HOA Management, LLC. (5th Cir. 7/13/21). A copy
of the decision can be found here.