An affidavit is a written or printed statement in which a person solemnly states a statement is true to his or her knowledge. It often involves the witness (the person making the statement), under oath or affirmation, before a person authorized to administer such an oath, such as a notary public or a magistrate. Affidavits can be used in many different situations, from providing a solemn declaration of facts between two parties in a legal dispute to providing a taxable donation receipt for a charity.

In a civil lawsuit, an affidavit is usually part of a formal deposition or witness testimony. Attorneys can use it to gather evidence or provide testimony for or against a party. Affidavits are typically the best way for attorneys to put forth a factual representation of a case, aside from a live oral presentation of a witness's testimony. Since the information is actively being verified by the affiant, it serves as a sworn statement from the witness, binding them to the truthfulness of the information given.

An affidavit must also include certain information in order to be legally valid. The affidavit must begin with a statement of who the witness is and state his/her sworn statements. Information relating to all of the parties involved, reasons for the affidavit being filed and all other pertinent information should be included in the body of the affidavit. It should also include facts that are neither exaggerated nor exaggerated and clearly be signed by the maker of the affidavit.

Most affidavits have a section that must be signed by the affiant verifying that the statement of facts is true and accurate to the best of his/her knowledge. In some cases, the witness or affiant may be required to put his/her signature directly on the document or do an oath or affirmation by a notary. In either case, this serves as an assurance to the court that the affiant is making an honest and truthful statement.

In conclusion, an affidavit is an important piece of evidence in any legal dispute. It serves as an assurance that the affiant is actively verifying what he or she is stating as facts. Additionally, when drafted properly and with attention to detail, an affidavit can put a legal dispute to rest.