What constitutes an "affidavit" in legal terms?

An affidavit is a formally documented statement that is made under oath or affirmation, which means that the person making the statement declares that the information contained within it is true to the best of their knowledge. This is a crucial aspect of affidavits as they carry legal weight and can be used in court proceedings to establish facts. Affidavits are typically signed in the presence of a notary public or other authorized official, who verifies the identity of the affiant (the person making the affidavit) and witness their signature.

In contrast to the correct answer, a verbal agreement between parties does not meet the criteria for an affidavit, as such agreements are typically not documented or confirmed by oath. Witness testimony may be a part of legal proceedings but does not qualify as an affidavit unless it is documented in written form and sworn to be true. Lastly, an official court order is a directive issued by a court, which is fundamentally different from an affidavit, as it does not involve a personal statement made under oath. Understanding these distinctions is important for recognizing the role and importance of affidavits in legal contexts.