Legal Dictionary
Affidavit
Definition
A written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, for use as evidence in court.
Deep Dive
An affidavit is a written statement of facts voluntarily made by a person, known as the affiant, and confirmed by oath or affirmation before an authorized official, such as a notary public. Its primary purpose is to serve as evidence in legal proceedings, carrying the same legal weight as if the affiant were giving live testimony in court, particularly in preliminary hearings, motions, or situations where direct testimony is impractical.
Examples & Use Cases
- 1The plaintiff submitted an *affidavit* from an expert witness to support their motion for summary judgment
- 2Police officers frequently use *affidavits* to establish probable cause when seeking a search warrant from a judge
- 3In probate court, family members might submit *affidavits* detailing their relationship to the deceased and their knowledge of the estate.
Related Terms
OathTestimonyPerjury