What does duress refer to in the context of notarization?

Duress in the context of notarization specifically refers to the scenario where an individual is forced to act against their will, often through threats or intimidation. This concept is vital because notarization relies on the principle of voluntary consent; the signer must willingly agree to the terms of the document without any form of coercion. If a person is under duress, their signature may not reflect their true intentions or desires, invalidating the notarization process.

Understanding this helps ensure that documents are executed freely and that the rights of individuals are protected. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of duress. Signing under witness supervision may denote legitimacy, but it doesn't imply coercion or free will. Voluntary signing without coercion is the opposite of duress and thus not applicable. Legal penalties for false statements pertain to the ramifications of lying rather than the concept of being forced to act against one's will, which is the core of what duress represents in this context.