Who may administer an oath in a deposition if there is no notary public present?

In the context of a deposition, the person responsible for administering an oath, particularly when a notary public is not available, is typically the reporter. This is because court reporters are authorized to take oaths and are trained to ensure that the testimony is recorded accurately and that proper procedures are followed. Their role encompasses not only the transcription of the spoken word but also ensuring the integrity of the proceedings, which includes the administration of oaths.

While judges, clerks, and attorneys also have roles in legal settings, their primary functions differ from that of the reporter in this scenario. Judges administer oaths primarily in court proceedings, clerks typically manage documents and court records, and attorneys represent their clients and may assist in legal proceedings, but they do not have the authority to administer oaths during a deposition as a standard practice. Therefore, the reporter’s role is specifically recognized in this situation, which underscores the importance of their capability to take oaths and maintain the integrity of the deposition process.