What is an affidavit?

An affidavit is fundamentally a written statement made under oath. This means that the individual creating the affidavit asserts that the contents are true to the best of their knowledge and belief, affirming the veracity of the information provided. It is a formal legal document often used in judicial proceedings as evidence or testimony. The stipulation of being under oath indicates that there are legal repercussions for providing false information, thereby necessitating a level of accountability and truthfulness.

In contrast, the other options fail to capture the formal and sworn nature of an affidavit. A legal document that requires no signature does not fulfill the essential criteria of an affidavit, which must be signed by the affiant to confirm its authenticity and the oath taken. An informal statement of intent does not have the legal binding or formal structure that characterizes an affidavit. Lastly, a verbal declaration made in front of witnesses is not considered an affidavit, as affidavits are specifically written documents rather than spoken statements, regardless of whether they are made in front of witnesses.