(1) As used in this section, ‘material witness order’ has the meaning given that term in ORS § 136.608.

Terms Used In Oregon Statutes 136.616

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Deposition: An oral statement made before an officer authorized by law to administer oaths. Such statements are often taken to examine potential witnesses, to obtain discovery, or to be used later in trial.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.

(2) At any time after the court enters a material witness order, the court may order, or the district attorney or the defendant may file a petition to conduct, a deposition to perpetuate the testimony of the material witness.

(3)(a) The petition must be in writing and sworn to by the petitioner.

(b) The petitioner shall serve a notice and a copy of the petition on the opposing party and on the material witness.

(4) A petition filed under this section must describe:

(a) The basis on which the court entered the material witness order;

(b) Any findings made by the court in establishing the security amount under ORS § 136.612;

(c) Any findings made by the court in detaining the material witness; and

(d) The reasons that perpetuating the testimony of the material witness is necessary.

(5) The court shall grant or deny the petition no later than 30 days after the date the petition is filed. The court shall consider whether the perpetuation of the testimony will prevent failure or delay of justice for the parties and the material witness. If the court orders the deposition of the material witness, the court may specify the subject matter of the deposition, impose limitations on the deposition and require audio or video recording of the deposition.

(6) The deposition of a material witness under this section does not invalidate or otherwise affect the material witness order, but may be considered in connection with an application to vacate or modify the order under ORS § 136.612 (5).

(7) The Oregon Evidence Code applies to depositions under this section. [2015 c.623 § 7]

 

136.616 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS Chapter 136 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

(Compelling Witnesses)

 

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