NCRA Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) Practice Exam

The legal definition of 'affidavit' is a sworn written statement. This means that an affidavit is a document in which the person making the statement (the affiant) declares that the contents of the document are true to the best of their knowledge and belief. The affiant typically signs the affidavit in front of a notary public or another authorized officer, which serves to verify the identity of the signer and the authenticity of the document. Affidavits are used in various legal contexts, including court proceedings, to provide evidence and support claims, affirm the truthfulness of specific facts, or to declare certain information under penalty of perjury.

The other options do not accurately reflect the essence of an affidavit. A legal gift involves the transfer of property or assets without expectation of payment, a form of legal determination usually refers to a judicial decision, and settling claims generally pertains to resolving disputes rather than the sworn declaration of facts. These distinctions clarify why the second choice is the most fitting definition of an affidavit in the legal context.