What defines a deposition in the legal context?

A deposition is defined as a pretrial examination recorded by a court reporter, making it a vital component of the discovery process in legal proceedings. During a deposition, witnesses are questioned under oath, and their responses are transcribed, creating an official record that can be used later in court. This process allows attorneys to gather information, assess the credibility of witnesses, and prepare for trial.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of a deposition. While meetings may occur to discuss a case, they are not formal inquiries that create a sworn record. A final trial verdict refers to the conclusion of a case following trial proceedings, which is distinct from the pretrial activities. Informal interviews may provide useful information but lack the formality and legal weight of a deposition, as they do not involve an oath or an official record maintained by a court reporter. Thus, option B precisely captures what a deposition entails in the legal context.