What is the term for a sworn written statement used as evidence, witnessed by a notary?

What is the term for a sworn written statement used as evidence, witnessed by a notary?

• A. Affidavit
• B. Deed
• C. Contract
• D. Memo

Answer: (A)

An affidavit is a sworn, written statement of facts made under oath and signed in the presence of a notary public who administers the oath and authenticates the signature. Because the person swears to the truth of what’s written, the document carries evidentiary weight in court or other proceedings, and it can be used to prove those facts without the need for live testimony. The notary’s role is to verify the signer’s identity and witness the signing and oath, not to judge the truth of the statements themselves. A deed, while it may be notarized, transfers ownership of real property; a contract is a binding agreement between parties; and a memo is simply a note or summary—none of these are sworn statements used as evidence like an affidavit.

An affidavit is a sworn, written statement of facts made under oath and signed in the presence of a notary public who administers the oath and authenticates the signature. Because the person swears to the truth of what’s written, the document carries evidentiary weight in court or other proceedings, and it can be used to prove those facts without the need for live testimony. The notary’s role is to verify the signer’s identity and witness the signing and oath, not to judge the truth of the statements themselves. A deed, while it may be notarized, transfers ownership of real property; a contract is a binding agreement between parties; and a memo is simply a note or summary—none of these are sworn statements used as evidence like an affidavit.