What is an oath in the context of notary practice?

In the context of notary practice, an oath is a formal and sacred declaration attesting to the truthfulness of a statement made by an individual. When a person takes an oath, they are swearing to tell the truth and are often invoking a higher ethical or moral authority, which emphasizes the seriousness of their declaration. This is distinct from a casual promise or a secular statement, as oaths typically involve a commitment to honesty under penalties of perjury. In notarial practice, one of the primary responsibilities of a notary public is to administer oaths, ensuring that the individual understands the gravity of the promise they are making and confirming their identity. This process adds an additional layer of authenticity and reliability to various legal documents and statements.