What language should sworn documents typically contain under penalty of perjury?

Asked by: Prof. Bryana Mosciski I  |  Last update: October 14, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (30 votes)

Such a statement should include the following language: “I declare (or certify, verify, or state) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the foregoing is true and correct.

What is an example of language that a sworn document typically contains?

Sample Template

I currently reside at [ ]. [ A detailed account of the incident ]. I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the information herein is true and complete. I understand this statement is made for use as evidence in court and is subject to penalty for perjury.

What is a written statement under penalty of perjury?

A declaration made under penalty of a perjury can be a signed written statement, such as an affidavit . Such a written statement need not be verified by oath or affirmation orally before the court if it contains the signed declaration that it is made under the penalties of perjury.

What is the language of declaration perjury?

If executed within the United States, its territories, possessions, or commonwealths: "I declare (or certify, verify, or state) under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed on (date). (Signature)".

What should be included in a sworn statement?

Key components include:
  • Title: Start with a title, often labeled “Sworn Statement” or “Affidavit.”
  • Affiant Identification: Include the full name, address, and relevant identification details of the affiant.
  • Statement of Facts: Present facts in a clear, chronological order.

What does "Under Penalty of Perjury" Mean?

31 related questions found

What is considered a sworn document?

A sworn statement is a legal document that lists facts or statements relevant to a court case. It is similar to an affidavit, but a sworn statement does not need to be acknowledged by a notary public.

What is an example of a sworn statement?

I, _____________________________, swear under penalty of perjury, that the information included in this declaration is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

What is a perjury document?

Perjury means to make a false statement under oath knowingly, or to sign a legal document known to be false or to contain false statements. The false statement must also be related to a material fact. That is, it can affect the course or outcome of the proceeding.

Does a statement under penalty of perjury need to be notarized?

Because such declaration does not require a notary or other official to administer oaths, individuals preparing statements for use in litigation should consider using this format.

What is the declaration saying?

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the ...

Is a misleading statement perjury?

While it is never advisable to intentionally give misleading, but otherwise true information while under oath, the fact is a statement must be absolutely false in order to constitute an element of perjury. If you were not under oath, you have not committed perjury.

What is a written statement made under oath?

An affidavit is typically defined as a written declaration or statement that is sworn or affirmed before a person who has authority to administer an oath.

What is a self sworn affidavit?

Your Self Proving Affidavit is a signed, sworn statement that's attached to your Will. While it's definitely not usually a required component of a Will, having it can relieve stress for your loved ones as they get through the probate process more quickly and with less hassle, which is a huge benefit in and of itself.

What is sworn language?

A sworn translation (also called certified translation) has to be endorsed by the signature and seal of a Sworn Translator. These translators have a special authorization by a Foreign Office to translate official documents, which means that they have a formal status by the authorities.

What kind of language is used in legal documents?

Legal English, also known as legalese, is a register of English used in legal writing. It differs from day-to-day spoken English in a variety of ways including the use of specialized vocabulary, syntactic constructions, and set phrases such as legal doublets.

What is a swear sworn statement?

A sworn declaration (also called a sworn statement or a statement under penalty of perjury) is a document that recites facts pertinent to a legal proceeding. It is very similar to an affidavit but is not witnessed and sealed by an official such as a notary public.

How do you write a letter under the penalty of perjury?

I, _________________, under penalty of perjury, do hereby certify that the foregoing information is true and correct. This the _______ day of ____________________,20___.

What makes a statement sworn?

A sworn statement is a legal document made under oath, affirming the truthfulness of the information it contains. It typically includes the affiant's name, the date, and a clear declaration of facts, often requiring a signature in front of a notary public for legal validity.

Does perjury require that the false statement be material?

Elements Of Perjury -- Materiality. The false statement must be material to the proceedings. A false statement is material if it has "a natural tendency to influence, or is capable of influencing, the decision of the decision-making body to which it was addressed." Kungys v.

What is under penalty of perjury?

When you sign a document "under penalty of perjury" you swear that the contents of the document are truthful and acknowledge that you can get in trouble for lying. It's also called signing "under oath and penalty of perjury." The bankruptcy forms are all signed under penalty of perjury.

What is the burden of proof for perjury?

A prosecutor must prove the following to convict a person of perjury: the defendant took an oath to testify truthfully (under penalty of perjury), the accused willfully stated that information was true even though he knew it was false, the information was “material,”

What is a perjury letter?

Perjury is a felony in California. California law penalizes anyone who willfully or knowingly makes false statements while under oath. Perjury is not just lying to the court. It can also be lying under oath in a civil deposition or a written affidavit or declaration.

How do you format a sworn statement?

The following are six critical sections that must be included:
  1. Title. This is either your name (“Affidavit of Jane Doe”) or the specific case information.
  2. Statement of identity. The next paragraph tells the court about yourself. ...
  3. Statement of truth. ...
  4. Statement of facts. ...
  5. Closing statement of truth. ...
  6. Sign and notarize.

What is an example of a written statement for court?

Dear [Judge's Name], I am writing to bring your attention to a claim I have against [name of defendant] regarding [briefly describe the nature of the claim]. I am writing this letter in support of my claim and to request that the court consider my case. On [date of incident], I [briefly describe what happened].

What is the word for a sworn written statement?

affidavit attestation deposition notarized statement oath sworn evidence sworn testimony testimony written testimony.