What is a written statement made by a notary public indicating that a negotiable instrument was neither paid nor accepted called?

The correct answer is "a protest." In the context of negotiable instruments, a protest is a formal written statement executed by a notary public that indicates a bill of exchange or promissory note has not been paid or accepted. This document serves as an official declaration, which can then be used in legal proceedings to establish that the payer or acceptor failed to fulfill their obligations under the instrument.

Understanding the role of a protest is critical for anyone involved in transactions with negotiable instruments, as it has implications for rights and responsibilities of the parties involved. By providing a formal acknowledgment of non-payment or non-acceptance, it protects the interests of the holder of the instrument.

The other options represent different notarial acts. A verification typically refers to the confirmation of the truthfulness of a statement or document. An acknowledgment is a declaration made before a notary that a signature is genuine. A jurat involves administering an oath or affirmation and is used to certify that a document was sworn to before the notary. Each serves unique purposes, but none fit the definition of a statement regarding non-payment or non-acceptance of a negotiable instrument like a protest does.