What is an affidavit?

An affidavit is fundamentally a verified written statement made under oath. This means that the person producing the affidavit has sworn to the truth of the contents, often before a notary public or another authorized official. The key aspect of an affidavit is its reliance on the declarant's formal assertion of truthfulness, which holds legal significance in various proceedings. These can include court cases where affidavits are used as evidence, providing facts or personal knowledge regarding a matter at hand.

The other options do not accurately describe what an affidavit is. For instance, a form of legal counsel refers to the advice given by a lawyer, not a formal written document. A type of plea in court pertains to the defendant's response to charges rather than a sworn statement. An indictment document is a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime, which is distinctly different from the personal assertion found in an affidavit. Thus, the correct understanding of an affidavit lies in its definition as a verified written statement.