1. [fr. Latin jurare “to swear”] A certification added to an affidavit or deposition stating when and before what authority the affidavit or deposition was made. • A jurat typically says “Subscribed and sworn to before me this ____ day of [month], [year],” and the officer (usu. a notary public) thereby certifies three things: (1) that the person signing the document did so in the officer’s presence, (2) that the signer appeared before the officer on the date indicated, and (3) that the officer administered an oath or affirmation to the signer, who swore to or affirmed the contents of the document.
— Also termed jurata. Cf. VERIFICATION. [Cases: Affidavits 12. C.J.S. Affidavits §§ 31–39.]
witness jurat. A subscribing witness’s certificate acknowledging the act of witnessing. • Even though this certificate is technically an acknowledgment and not a true jurat, the phrase witness jurat is commonly used. See ACKNOWLEDGMENT.
2. [fr. Latin juratus “one sworn”] In France and the Channel Islands, a municipal officer or magistrate.
