MS Notary Legal and Ethical Responsibilities

Question 1

What is the primary ethical responsibility of a notary public?

Accepted Answer

To maintain impartiality and avoid conflicts of interest

Answer

To offer legal advice to signers

Answer

To notarize documents for friends and family members without any fees

Answer

To ensure all documents are notarized in the notary’s office

Question 2

Can a notary charge a fee for their services in Mississippi?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and the fees must comply with the limits set by state law

Answer

No, notaries must provide their services for free

Answer

Yes, but only if the fee is approved by the local county clerk

Answer

Yes, as long as it is a reasonable amount agreed upon by both parties

Question 3

What should a notary do if they suspect a document is fraudulent or that a signer is not acting under their own free will?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to notarize the document and report the concern to the appropriate authorities

Answer

Proceed with the notarization and report the issue later

Answer

Ask the signer to provide additional identification to confirm their identity

Answer

Complete the notarization and advise the signer to consult a lawyer

Question 4

If a notary is convicted of a felony, what is the likely consequence for their notarial commission in Mississippi?

Accepted Answer

The notary’s commission will be automatically revoked

Answer

The notary will receive a warning and be allowed to continue their duties

Answer

The notary’s commission will be suspended until further notice

Answer

The notary will be required to retake the notary exam

Question 5

What is the proper way to handle a situation where a notary is asked to notarize a document for a person who cannot physically sign the document?

Accepted Answer

The notary may notarize the document if the signer marks it or directs someone else to sign it on their behalf

Answer

The notary should sign the document on behalf of the person

Answer

The notary should refuse to notarize the document under any circumstances

Answer

The notary should ask the signer to have the document signed in front of a witness before notarizing it