A task often assigned to the paralegal is to summarize deposition testimony. List three systems of summarizing deposition testimony, and briefly explain the pros and cons of each system.
What will be an ideal response?
Chronological summary—This is the most common form of deposition summary; it is a
page-by-page paraphrasing of the testimony, usually averaging one page of summary for
every ten pages of testimony. This is a good form to use to summarize depositions in small
cases. For more complex cases, a chronological summary alone may not include all of the
important subjects or findings.
Index or digest—This system lists the main topics covered in the deposition and includes
page and line references. It is helpful for finding information quickly but does not provide
details of the testimony.
Topical summary—This is the most detailed and time-consuming form of summary. It
combines a chronological summary and index and also separates out specific subjects
pertinent to the case.
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a. True b. False Indicate whether the statement is true or false
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Indicate whether the statement is true or false