What is an affidavit?

An affidavit is specifically defined as a sworn written statement made under oath. This means that the person providing the affidavit declares that the information contained within it is true to the best of their knowledge, and they do so in front of an authorized official, such as a notary public. The significance of an affidavit lies in its legal credibility; because it is sworn, it can be used as evidence in court to support or verify facts in legal proceedings.

While it's true that an affidavit is a type of legal document, the defining characteristic is the act of swearing to the truthfulness of the statements made in it. Other options refer to different concepts in legal processes—such as the appeal process or the maintenance of administrative records—but they do not capture the essence of what an affidavit is. Understanding this definition is vital for anyone involved in legal contexts, including code enforcement, where affidavits may be used to affirm compliance or report violations.