What is emphasized about the trust placed in notaries by the public?

The emphasis on notaries acting without bias or impropriety highlights the critical role that notaries play in ensuring trust in the notarization process. Members of the public rely on notaries to perform their duties impartially and ethically, which helps to uphold the integrity of legal documents and transactions. This expectation is foundational because it assures individuals that the notary will serve as a neutral third party, preventing any potential conflict of interest or undue influence over the documents being notarized.

Trust is central to the notarial profession, as the acts performed by notaries often involve sensitive agreements and personal information. The public’s confidence in notaries is built upon this expectation of unbiased conduct, meaning that notaries must remain neutral and adhere strictly to legal and ethical guidelines.

While it may seem appealing to assume that all notaries are highly experienced or that notarial acts are without risk, experience levels can vary, and there are inherent risks involved in any legal or transactional act. Additionally, notaries must adhere to a fee schedule that is often regulated, rather than charging any fee they choose.