Opinion ID: 2612680
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: refusal to accept offered evidence

Text: At trial appellant's attorney attempted to read portions of John Christmann's deposition into evidence, while Christmann was present in the courtroom. The trial judge refused the request and the appellant now urges this refusal as error. In making this argument, Rainbow Oil Company relies on Rule 32(a)(2), W.R.C.P. and Rule 801(d)(2), W.R.E. Rule 32(a)(2), W.R.C.P. provides: (a) Use of depositions.  At the trial or upon the hearing of a motion or an interlocutory proceeding, any part or all of a deposition, so far as admissible under the rules of evidence applied as though the witness were then present and testifying, may be used against any party who was present or represented at the taking of the deposition or who had reasonable notice thereof, in accordance with any of the following provisions: (2) The deposition of a party or of anyone who at the time of taking the deposition was an officer, director, or managing agent, or a person designated under Rule 30(b)(6) or 31(a) to testify on behalf of a public or private corporation, partnership or association or governmental agency which is a party may be used by an adverse party for any purpose; Rule 801(d)(2), W.R.E. provides: (d) Statements which are not hearsay.  A statement is not hearsay if: (2) Admission by Party-Opponent.  The statement is offered against a party and is (A) his own statement, in either his individual or a representative capacity, or (B) a statement of which he has manifested his adoption or belief in its truth, or (C) a statement by a person authorized by him to make a statement concerning the subject, or (D) a statement by his agent or servant concerning a matter within the scope of his agency or employment, made during the existence of the relationship, or (E) a statement by a co-conspirator of a party during the course and in furtherance of the conspiracy. The record reflects that Mr. Christmann's deposition was utilized thoroughly by appellant during cross-examination of that witness, and we find that appellant's subsequent attempt to read that same testimony into evidence is totally outside the scope of either of the above-quoted rules. Rule 32(a)(2), W.R.C.P. contemplates the reading of a deposition into evidence only in circumstances where the witness is not present. In circumstances where the witness is present, the deposition can be used for impeachment purposes by inquiring about inconsistent answers given at an earlier time. Here, as just discussed, appellant had ample opportunity and did utilize the deposition to its fullest authorized extent.