What Is Jurat?

A jurat is a certification on an affidavit or sworn statement indicating that the document was sworn or affirmed before a duly authorized officer, such as a notary public. It confirms that the person signing the document did so under oath and that the identity of the signatory was verified by the officer.

Jurat Explained

The term "jurat" originates from the Latin phrase "juratum est," meaning "it has been sworn." It is a crucial part of legal affidavits, depositions, and certain declarations, serving as proof that the statements within the document are made under penalty of perjury.

The jurat is typically located at the end of an affidavit or declaration and includes the signature of the notary or authorized officer, the date of signing, and sometimes the place where the oath was taken.

A proper jurat requires the physical presence of the signatory before the notary or authorized officer at the time of signing. The officer must verify the signatory's identity and ensure that the signatory understands the contents of the document and is signing it voluntarily. The signatory then swears or affirms the truthfulness of the document's contents.

The standard wording of a jurat might include phrases like "Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on this __ day of __ (month), __ (year)" followed by the notary's signature and seal.

The Term Jurat in Different Legal Contexts

Jurat requirements can vary slightly depending on the jurisdiction and the type of document. For instance, in some legal systems, a jurat may also require the notary to administer an oath or affirmation to the signatory, explicitly asking them to affirm the truthfulness of the document's contents. In other contexts, especially in certain international jurisdictions, a jurat might have additional requirements or follow different protocols.

Common Misconceptions About the Meaning of Jurat

One common misconception is that a jurat and an acknowledgment are interchangeable or that they serve the same purpose.

While both are notarial acts, they are distinct. An acknowledgment verifies the identity of the signatory and confirms that they signed the document willingly, but it does not require the document to be signed under oath.

A jurat, on the other hand, specifically certifies that the signatory swore to or affirmed the truth of the document's contents under oath.

Another misconception is that the presence of a jurat automatically guarantees the truthfulness of a document's contents.

While a jurat indicates that the document was signed under oath, it does not verify the factual accuracy of the statements within the document. The responsibility for the truth and accuracy of the document's contents lies solely with the signatory.

gd2md-html: xyzzy Thu Jul 25 2024

Recommendations

0 reviews

Drew Davis Van De Grift

Contracts and Agreements Lawyer Serving at Birmingham - Michigan

1895 Bradford Rd, Michigan, 48009-7253

Thomas M. Cooley
Contracts and Agreements, Freedom of Information Act, Government Contracts, Employment and Labor, State, Local And Municipal Law, Government and Tax
Birmingham, Michigan Contracts and Agreements Lawyer

Free Consultation

+12486353360

What Is Jurat?

Jurat Explained

The Term Jurat in Different Legal Contexts

Common Misconceptions About the Meaning of Jurat

Share

Need legal help after an accident?

Relevant Legal Professionals

Recommendations

Written by Michael Anderson

UPDATED Jul 05,2024

Written by Michael Anderson

UPDATED Jul 03,2024

Written by Michael Anderson

UPDATED Jul 02,2024

Written by Michael Anderson

UPDATED Jul 08,2024

Written by Michael Anderson

UPDATED Jul 08,2024

Written by Michael Anderson

UPDATED Jun 15,2024

Written by Michael Anderson

UPDATED Jun 14,2024

Written by Michael Anderson

UPDATED Jun 13,2024

Written by Michael Anderson

UPDATED Jun 11,2024

Log in to your account

Contact