ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

The term 'deposition' in legal terms refers to a sworn out-of-court testimony given by a witness or a party involved in a legal proceeding. This process is part of the discovery phase in litigation, where parties gather relevant information and evidence before trial. During a deposition, the witness answers questions posed by attorneys under oath, similar to how they would in a courtroom but without the presence of a judge. The purpose of a deposition is to establish facts, allow for the assessment of the witness's credibility, and preserve the testimony for future reference, ensuring that both sides have access to the same information.

The other choices describe different legal concepts that do not pertain to the definition of deposition:

- The jury selection process is commonly known as voir dire, which involves choosing jurors for the trial.

- A final verdict is the decision delivered by a jury regarding the outcome of a case.

- A closing statement is a summary that attorneys present at the end of a trial to persuade the jury before deliberation.

Understanding the role of depositions in the legal process is crucial for effective investigation and preparation in various cases.