What is an 'affidavit'?

An affidavit is a written statement made under oath or affirmation, which means the person making the affidavit (the deponent) swears that the contents of the document are true to the best of their knowledge. The key features of an affidavit include that it must be in writing, it must be signed by the deponent, and it must be affirmed or sworn before a qualified person, such as a notary public or a commissioner for declarations, who witnesses the act of swearing or affirming.

Affidavits are essential in legal proceedings as they provide evidence that can be presented in court, often used to support motions or applications. They are particularly valuable because they allow parties to present their version of facts in a structured way, avoiding the unpredictability of oral testimony.

The other options lack the correct definition or context of an affidavit. A verbal statement given in court refers to testimonies, which differ significantly from the written format and legal formalities required for an affidavit. A type of legal contract suggests a binding agreement between parties, which is not what an affidavit represents; rather, it is a method of presenting evidence. An opinion piece submitted to the court does not meet the criteria for an affidavit, as affidavits must contain factual information verified