Legal Definitions - pauper's oath

A pauper's oath is a declaration made by a person who is requesting public funds or services, in which they swear that they are too poor to pay for those services themselves. This declaration is also known as a poverty affidavit.

For example, if someone cannot afford to pay for a lawyer, they may need to file a pauper's oath in order to receive free legal representation. The pauper's oath would state that they cannot afford to pay for a lawyer and need assistance from the government.

The purpose of the pauper's oath is to ensure that those who truly cannot afford to pay for services receive the help they need. It is a way to prevent people from taking advantage of public funds or services when they have the means to pay for them.