What is a sworn affidavit?

A sworn affidavit is a written statement in which the person signing it affirms that the information contained within the document is true, under penalty of perjury. This legal assurance means that the individual declares their information is accurate, making the affidavit a powerful tool in legal contexts.

While the other options describe various legal documents and processes, they do not encompass the specific characteristics of a sworn affidavit. The requirement of a witness signature is not a defining feature of sworn affidavits; rather, it is the declaration of truth and the act of swearing or affirming that give these documents their legal weight. In addition, a sworn affidavit is not limited to reports filed post-arrest or specific to civil cases, as it can be used in various legal situations, including criminal proceedings, depending on the context and jurisdiction.