Final answer:
A deposition is a legal term referring to a testimony taken before a trial in a less formal setting but still under court rules. Unlike depositions, trials are formal proceedings where both sides present cases and a jury deliberates based on evidence and witness testimonies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Deposition is a legal term referring to a form of testimony taken prior to the trial. It typically occurs in a less formal setting than the courtroom but is still governed by court rules and regulations. A deposition allows for the collection of testimony from witnesses before the actual trial begins.
In contrast, the trial process itself is a formal judicial proceeding where the prosecution and defense present their cases. This includes opening arguments, witness testimony, cross-examinations, rebuttals, and closing arguments. It culminates in the jury's deliberation based on instructions from the judge, as per the American legal system.
The Sixth Amendment plays a crucial role in trials, guaranteeing the rights of the accused including the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses, have a jury trial, and compel witnesses to testify in defense.