When can deposition testimony be utilized at trial in Georgia?

Deposition testimony can be utilized at trial in Georgia primarily under two circumstances: when the witness is unavailable or for impeachment purposes.

If a witness is unavailable, which may occur due to various reasons such as illness, death, or being outside the jurisdiction, the deposition can be admitted as part of the evidence presented in court. This is crucial to ensure that relevant testimony isn't excluded simply because the witness cannot appear at trial.

Additionally, depositions can also be used to impeach, or challenge the credibility of, a witness. For instance, if a witness provides testimony at trial that contradicts their earlier statements made during a deposition, the deposition can be introduced to highlight inconsistencies and call into question the validity of the witness's trial testimony.

While it might seem that other options could also allow for deposition use, they do not encompass the full legal context: a witness's unavailability or the need for impeachment are clear and frequently applied rules. Therefore, the answer accurately reflects the circumstances under which deposition testimony is legally permissible in the courtroom.