what is an affidavit

An affidavit is a written statement made voluntarily by an affiant or deponent under an oath or affirmation, which is administered by a person authorized by law. It is a type of verified statement or showing that contains a verification, meaning that it is made under oath on penalty of perjury, and serves as evidence for its veracity and is required in court proceedings. Affidavits are used in various legal scenarios, such as bankruptcies, writing a will, and divorce proceedings. They are often more convenient than swearing an oath because they do not require the person attesting the information to be present. Affidavits are also a more accurate way to keep records of vital details for court cases and other proceedings. An affidavit is the written equivalent of a sworn oath, and knowingly including false information when signing it can be considered perjury. The person making the sworn statement is referred to as the "affiant," and in signing an affidavit, the affiant is asserting that the information is true and that they have personal knowledge of the facts contained in the affidavit. Affidavits can be used in preparation for a trial, and if a witnesss testimony contradicts what they stated in their affidavit, the affidavit can be introduced as evidence to impeach that witness in accordance with Federal Rule of Evidence 607.