AFFIDAVIT

a written statement made under oath before an officer of the court, a notary public or other person legally authorized to certify the statement. EXAMPLE: as part of the defendant's sentence, the judge intends to include a large dollar amount for restitution to the victim. Rather than conduct a trial to determine the defendant's ability to pay the fine, the judge permits the defendant to file an affidavit outlining his financial situation. The affidavit also includes the defendant's name, address, age and other technicalities required by law, and an acknolwedgment of the truthfulness of the statements made. A legally authorized person is required to administer an oath to the signer (called the affiant) and witness his signature.' Source: Barron's Dictionary of Legal Terms, Steven H. Gifis, 5th Edition; © 2016