How does a deposition on written questions differ from a standard deposition?

A deposition on written questions is distinct from a standard deposition primarily because it involves the court reporter reading questions that have been prepared and submitted by an attorney before the deposition. In this format, the witness responds to those written questions without the immediate back-and-forth dialogue that characterizes a typical deposition, where attorneys engage directly during live questioning.

In a standard deposition, the interactions are dynamic, and attorneys can follow up on responses, explore subjects in greater detail, and have a more conversational flow. In contrast, the format of a deposition on written questions is formal and structured, with the court reporter functioning mainly as a facilitator who records the questions and the witness's written answers.

It's also worth noting that a deposition on written questions does not typically require the presence of a judge, nor does it facilitate informal discussions. Therefore, this written format is markedly different from the standard, more interactive deposition.