Oaths & Affirmations Flashcards
6 cards from real Notary Public Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Oaths & Affirmations flashcards as text
What is an 'affidavit' and what notarial act is performed in connection with it?
Answer: A written sworn statement of fact made voluntarily, with the oath administered by a notary as a jurat
An affidavit is a written statement of fact sworn to be true by the affiant before a notary. The notary administers the oath and completes a jurat certificate on the affidavit.
Who may administer oaths in addition to notaries public?
Answer: Various officials including judges, court clerks, magistrates, commissioners of oaths, and certain government officials as authorized by law
Oath administration authority is not exclusive to notaries. Judges, magistrates, court clerks, commissioners of oaths, authorized military officers, and other officials designated by law may also administer oaths.
What is a 'subscription' in the context of a jurat?
Answer: The signer's act of signing the document in the presence of the notary
In jurat terminology, 'subscription' refers to the signer physically signing (subscribing) the document in the notary's presence—a required element of the jurat act.
What must a notary do if a person declines to swear on a religious text (such as a Bible) when taking an oath?
Answer: Offer an affirmation as an alternative, which has the same legal effect as a sworn oath
A notary must offer the alternative of an affirmation to anyone who objects to swearing an oath for any reason. An affirmation carries the same legal weight as an oath.
What is the meaning of 'so help you God' in the traditional oath formula?
Answer: A religious element invoking divine accountability for the truth of the statement, which may be omitted for those who prefer a secular affirmation
'So help you God' invokes divine accountability—the idea that the oath-taker is making their promise before God. It is a traditional element that may be omitted or replaced with secular language when the signer prefers an affirmation.
What is an 'oath of office' and may a notary administer one?
Answer: A sworn pledge taken by a person assuming a public or official position; notaries are commonly authorized to administer oaths of office in many states
An oath of office is a sworn pledge taken when assuming a public or official position. In many states, notaries are among the officials authorized to administer oaths of office to newly elected or appointed officials.