In litigation, a proceeding outside the courtroom in which a party or witness gives sworn testimony under oath before a court reporter, who then creates a written document; the written document created as a result of such a proceeding. deposition de bene esse. The deposition of a witness who is unlikely to be available to appear at the trial. deposition of corporate designee. The deposition of a person representing a corporation or entity, in which that person is held out to have the most kno...