Legal Definitions - jurat

Definition: A jurat is a certificate that is attached to an affidavit or deposition to show that it was properly made before an authorized officer. The word "jurat" comes from the Latin word "jurare," which means "to swear."

A jurat typically includes the following statement: "Subscribed and sworn to before me this ___ day of [month], [year]," along with the signature and title of the officer who administered the oath. It is important to note that a jurat is not part of the affidavit or deposition itself.

Example: John Smith signs an affidavit in front of a notary public. The notary public then attaches a jurat to the affidavit, which includes a statement indicating that John Smith swore to the truth of the information in the affidavit on a specific date and in the presence of the notary public.

Explanation: In this example, the jurat serves as proof that John Smith made the affidavit in the presence of a notary public and swore to the truth of the information contained in the affidavit. The jurat also includes the date on which the affidavit was signed and sworn to, as well as the name and title of the notary public who administered the oath.