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Simple English definitions for legal terms
affidavit
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A quick definition of affidavit:
An affidavit is a written statement that someone makes under oath, which means they promise to tell the truth. They usually make it in front of a special person called a notary or a court officer. The statement says that certain things are true to the best of their knowledge. Both sides in a court case usually collect these statements to prepare for the trial. If someone says something different in court than what they wrote in their affidavit, the affidavit can be used to show that they might not be telling the truth. If they lied on purpose, they could get in trouble for perjury, which is a serious crime.
A more thorough explanation:
An affidavit is a written statement made by a person who swears that the information they are providing is true. This statement is made under oath and is usually given to a notary or officer of the court.
Affidavits are often used in legal cases as evidence. Both the plaintiff/prosecution and defense can collect affidavits from witnesses in preparation for a trial. If a witness's testimony contradicts what they stated in their affidavit, the affidavit can be used to challenge their credibility.
For example, if a witness in a criminal trial testifies that they did not see the defendant at the scene of the crime, but their affidavit states that they did see the defendant, the affidavit can be used to impeach the witness's testimony.
If a witness knowingly and intentionally provides false information in their affidavit, they can be charged with perjury, which is a serious crime.