What defines an "affidavit"?

An affidavit is a legal document that consists of a written statement made under oath or affirmation, meaning that the individual swearing to the affidavit acknowledges the truthfulness of the content before a qualified authority, such as a notary public. This process adds a level of authenticity and legal weight to the statements made within the document, which can be used in court proceedings or other legal contexts as evidence.

The importance of the affidavit lies in its formal and sworn nature, providing a reliable account of facts or information that can be challenged in court if proven false. This distinguishes it significantly from other legal terms such as contracts or informal statements, which do not have the same solemnity or requirement for truth verification through an oath. In contrast, verbal agreements and informal witness statements lack the formalized and sworn characteristics essential to an affidavit, making option A the definitive choice that accurately describes this legal document.