What constitutes an affidavit?

An affidavit is a written statement that is confirmed by the oath or affirmation of the person making it, typically in front of a notary public or other authorized officer. This sworn statement must include a jurat, which is a part of the document where the notary verifies that the signer has taken an oath confirming the truthfulness of the contents. The use of a jurat is crucial because it establishes the legal significance of the affidavit, making it admissible in court as evidence of the facts stated.

The other options do not fit the definition of an affidavit. A document requiring only a signature lacks the necessary sworn component that validates it as an affidavit. A casual agreement between two parties is a different type of document entirely, usually not requiring formal swearing or notarization. A letter of recommendation, while it may express opinions about someone's abilities, does not have the formal legal standing or sworn aspect that defines an affidavit. Thus, the correct definition of an affidavit is indeed a sworn statement that includes a jurat.