Understanding a Jurat: Purpose and Usage
A Jurat is a sworn statement or certificate made by a notary public or other legally authorized official to certify that a document has been signed properly by its writer or executor. It is typically included on documents to be signed in front of witnesses or a notary public. The sworn statement in the jurat should identify the sworn person, the court before which the person is sworn, and in some cases the date and location of the signature.
Typically, a Jurat is used in the context of legal documents, such as affidavits and contracts. This type of statement carries legal weight and can be used in a court of law if necessary. It provides evidence to a court that the document is authentic and that the person signing it is sure of its contents. A Jurat is also used to verify the signature on a document, which helps prevent fraud.
Difference Between a Jurat and an Acknowledgment
In Law, a Jurat and an Acknowledgment refer to two different sworn statements made by a notary public or other legally authorized official in order to certify the authenticity of a document.
A Jurat is a statement that identifies the sworn person, the court before which the person is sworn, and sometimes the date and location of the signature. The main purpose of a Jurat is to verify the signature on the document and to ensure that all the contents are accurate.
An Acknowledgment, on the other hand, is a statement that simply acknowledges that a person has signed a document in front of a notary or other legally authorized official. It doesn’t guarantee the accuracy or authenticity of the document and is typically used for non-legal purposes.
The Procedure for Executing a Jurat
When executing a Jurat, the following procedure should be followed:
- The deponent (the person making the statement) should appear before the notary or other legally authorized official for witness and identification.
- The deponent should then sign the document in the presence of the notary or other legally authorized official.
- The notary or other legally authorized official should then prepare the Jurat certificate accompanying the document.
- The certificate should include information verifying the date, location, and Identity of the deponent.
- The notary or other legally authorized official should then make the statement that is found in the Jurat certificate.
- The notary or other legally authorized official should then attach the certificate to the document and administer the oath.
- The notary or other legally authorized official should then sign and seal the certificate.
