Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) Practice Exam

What is an affidavit?

1. A signed statement under oath

2. A document proving someone's identity

3. A type of insurance policy

4. A record of legal proceedings

The correct answer is: A signed statement under oath

An affidavit is a signed statement made under oath, where the person making the statement (the affiant) asserts the truth of the information contained in the document. Affidavits are often used in legal contexts as evidence in court to support claims or defenses, providing a sworn account of facts that can be relied upon similarly to testimony given in court. It is important to note that while other options describe various legal documents or concepts, they do not accurately define an affidavit. For instance, proving someone's identity typically involves identification documents rather than a sworn statement. Similarly, an insurance policy is a contract that outlines the terms of coverage, while a record of legal proceedings refers to court transcripts or logs, which documenting activities in court rather than statements made under oath. The unique characteristic of an affidavit lies in its sworn nature, which obligates the affiant to tell the truth under legal penalties for perjury.