§ 421 Modes of taking testimony.

There are three ways to get testimony from a witness in a case. The first is by affidavit, which is a written statement the witness signs, swearing that what they say is true. The second is by deposition, where the witness answers questions before the trial, usually with a court reporter writing everything down. The third is by oral examination, meaning the witness speaks in person, typically during the actual trial or hearing.

Each method has its own purpose. Affidavits are often used when a witness doesn't need to be questioned back and forth. Depositions let both sides ask questions ahead of time and get answers on the record before trial starts. Oral examination happens live, usually in front of a judge or jury, where the witness can be asked questions and cross-examined right then and there.

Knowing which method applies matters because it affects how evidence gets presented and challenged in a case. If you're involved in a lawsuit, you may encounter any of these three ways depending on the stage of the case and what the court or attorneys decide is needed.