Louisiana Bail Bonds Practice Exam

An affidavit is defined as what type of statement?

1. A written agreement with a notary

2. A verbal affirmation

3. A written statement given voluntarily under oath

4. A court order

The correct answer is: A written statement given voluntarily under oath

An affidavit is specifically a written statement that is made voluntarily under oath. This means that the person making the affidavit swears to its truthfulness, typically in the presence of a notary public or another authority who can administer oaths. The significance of an affidavit lies in its legal standing; since it is a sworn statement, it can be used as evidence in court and carries the weight of perjury if the affiant is found to have lied under oath. The other options do not accurately describe what an affidavit is. A written agreement with a notary refers to a contract or an agreement witnessed by a notary, not a sworn statement. A verbal affirmation is simply a spoken confirmation and lacks the formal structure and legal implications of an affidavit. A court order is a command issued by a judge, which is entirely different from a sworn statement made by an individual. Therefore, the correct answer clearly aligns with the recognized legal definition of an affidavit in both civil and criminal contexts.