What is the purpose of a deposition?

The purpose of a deposition is to gather sworn testimony from a witness prior to trial. This process involves the taking of a statement under oath, where a witness provides their version of events, which can later be used in court. Depositions are crucial for attorneys to obtain information, assess the strength of their case, and determine what witnesses might say during the trial. The testimony offered in a deposition can help shape the strategy for the litigation and support the overall arguments each side will present during the trial.

While the other options present important aspects of legal procedures, they don't describe the specific function of a deposition. For example, submitting evidence to the court is an action that occurs during the formal trial process rather than during a deposition. Negotiating a settlement is typically a pre-trial activity that involves bargaining between parties, and initiating a formal lawsuit pertains to the filing of legal documents to begin a case rather than gathering testimony from a witness. Thus, option A is the most accurate description of a deposition's purpose.