Commissioner for Oaths Flashcards
(69 cards)
What is an Affidavit?
A written statement formally confirmed by swearing an oath or affirming before a competent authority
Affidavits are often used as evidence in court and can only be used when authorized by a statute or regulation.
What is an Affirmation?
A solemn statement confirming that a statement is true, with the same effect as an oath
It can be used if a person objects to swearing an oath.
What does it mean to Attest?
To affirm the truth of a statement or bear witness to something
Who is a Deponent?
A person who gives evidence in writing, specifically the person who makes an affidavit
What is an Exhibit in the context of an affidavit?
Evidence in the form of records or other documents meant to support a person’s affidavit
Exhibits are frequently found annexed or attached to affidavits.
What is a Jurat?
Describes when, where, and before whom an affidavit was sworn
The jurat appears at the end of the document and must be completed by the Commissioner for Oaths.
What is an Oath?
A solemn statement attesting to the truth of a statement to a Supreme Being or something sacred to the person taking the oath
The oath is considered binding on their conscience.
What is a Solemn Declaration?
A promise to tell the truth used for statutory declarations
What is a Statutory Declaration?
A formal declaration made in a prescribed form that has legal force similar to an oath or affidavit
Statutory declarations are used when no law authorizes the use of an affidavit.
What are the main functions of Commissioners for Oaths?
Commissioners for Oaths perform important functions in society and must comply with high standards of behaviour as outlined in the Notaries and Commissioners Act and the Commissioners for Oaths Regulation.
What can Commissioners for Oaths do in Alberta?
They can administer oaths and take and receive affidavits, affirmations, and declarations in and for Alberta.
What are the requirements to become a Commissioner for Oaths in Alberta?
A person must be at least 18 years old and reside in Alberta or in the part of the City of Lloydminster located in Saskatchewan.
What is the penalty for acting as a Commissioner for Oaths without authorization?
A fine of up to $5,000 may be imposed.
What types of work are Commissioners for Oaths not authorized to perform?
They cannot perform work usually done by lawyers, such as conveyancing.
Who has the authority to witness or certify deeds, contracts, and commercial instruments?
Only judges and lawyers have this authority.
What are affidavits?
Affidavits are written statements formally confirmed by oath or affirmation.
What must happen for an affidavit to be legally valid?
The oath, affirmation, or solemn declaration must be administered properly.
What is the maximum penalty for making a false affidavit or statutory declaration?
The maximum penalty is 14 years imprisonment.
What should a Commissioner for Oaths do if called to give evidence in court?
They must follow proper procedure consistently to establish that an oath, affirmation, or solemn declaration was administered properly.
What is the penalty for signing an affidavit that was not sworn or declared before the Commissioner?
The penalty can be imprisonment for up to two years.
Why should Commissioners for Oaths not take their spouse’s oath, affirmation, or declaration?
It can lead to problems in the proof of affidavits in court and issues in the prosecution of Criminal Code offences involving perjury.
What is the first step in administering an oath to a person making an affidavit?
Ensure that the words in the introduction to the affidavit read ‘make oath and say.’
What should you ask the person making the affidavit?
Ask whether they are the individual named in the affidavit as the person making the affidavit.
What should you provide to the person taking the oath?
Hand them a Bible or any other religious text they consider binding on their conscience.