Civil Service Supervisor Practice Exam

Which best describes an affidavit?

1. A verbal agreement witnessed by a friend.

2. A comprehensive report filed by an attorney.

3. A written statement of facts signed before an authorized person.

4. A legal document prepared without any signatures required.

The correct answer is: A written statement of facts signed before an authorized person.

An affidavit is best described as a written statement of facts that is signed before an authorized person, typically a notary public. This type of document holds significant legal weight as it is made under oath, meaning the individual swearing to the truthfulness of the statement is legally obligated to adhere to the truth of the content. If the individual is found to have lied in an affidavit, they could face legal repercussions, including charges of perjury. This definition emphasizes the importance of the affidavit as a method of formalizing truth in legal contexts, ensuring that the facts presented are acknowledged and recorded in a verifiable manner. It contrasts with options that describe less formal agreements or documents lacking the necessary legal framework of being sworn before an authorized representative. Such informalities, like verbal agreements or unverified reports, do not meet the rigorous standards of legal documentation that an affidavit upholds.