Jurat Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Jurat, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Jurat?

It is derieved from a latin word meaning “to swear”.Part of an affidavit which is sworn in front of a Notary Public by the person who signed it stating that the contents of his documents are true.It contains details like date,place,name of the person swearing,name of the officer in front of whom swear was taken.

History and Meaning of Jurat

Jurat is a legal term that comes from the Latin word "jurare", which means "to swear". It is a part of an affidavit where the affiant (the person who signed the affidavit) swears under oath in front of a notary public that the information contained in the affidavit is true and correct to the best of their knowledge. The jurat contains information such as the date and place where the oath was taken, the name of the affiant, and the name of the notary public who administered the oath.

The jurat has been used in the legal system for centuries, since it is a crucial element in ensuring that the information contained in affidavits is accurate and truthful. The act of swearing an oath under penalty of perjury carries a significant weight in legal proceedings, since providing false information under oath can result in serious legal consequences.

Examples of Jurat

Here are a few examples of how the term jurat might be used in different situations:

  • A person signs an affidavit stating that they witnessed a car accident and the details they provide in the affidavit are crucial to the legal case. The affidavit must include a jurat where the witness swears that the information provided is true and correct.

  • A company submits an application for a permit or license and includes various affidavits to support their claims. Each of these affidavits must include a jurat so that the notarized signatures carry sufficient weight in the application process.

  • A person issues a legal notice against a tenant or landlord, which requires swearing under oath that the information provided in the notice is accurate. This notice must include a jurat for it to be considered valid in the eyes of the law.

Legal Terms Similar to Jurat

Here are a few related terms to jurat that may be useful to know:

  • Affidavit: A written statement made under oath, in the presence of a notary public or other authorized official, that provides information about something that the person submitting the affidavit has knowledge of.

  • Notary Public: A public official authorized by the government to witness and certify the signing of legal documents and administer oaths.

  • Oath: A solemn promise to do or not do something, often made with a hand on a religious text or object, that carries legal weight and can have serious consequences if broken.