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deposition A statement made on oath before a magistrate or other official of the court by a witness. 1. In civil cases, depositions de bene esse may be read at the trial by consent or if the witness is dead or unable to attend because of sickness. In criminal cases, depositions may be read, e.g. if the witness is insane, or too ill to attend. In the case of certain types of offences against children, the childs deposition may be read if signed by an examining magistrate or if the court is satisfied that the childs attendance would involve serious risk to health. |