Texas Court Reporter Practice Exam

In the context of depositions, what is 'stipulation' typically considered?

1. An agreement between parties

2. A summary of testimony

3. A formal challenge

4. A witness's preliminary statement

The correct answer is: An agreement between parties

In the context of depositions, a 'stipulation' is commonly defined as an agreement between parties involved in the legal process. This agreement can pertain to a variety of matters, such as the procedure to be followed during the deposition, the admissibility of certain documents or evidence, or the manner in which the deposition is conducted. Stipulations help streamline the legal process, reduce disputes, and ensure that both parties have a clear understanding of the rules and parameters governing the deposition. While the other options refer to important aspects of legal proceedings, they do not encompass the essence of what a stipulation is. A summary of testimony would not be an agreement but rather a recounting of what was said during the deposition. A formal challenge would indicate a dispute or an objection to a procedure or question, and a witness's preliminary statement would be an individual's account or narrative rather than an agreement between parties. Therefore, recognizing 'stipulation' as an agreement between parties is essential in understanding its role in deposition practice.