What is the role of an affidavit in legal proceedings?

The role of an affidavit in legal proceedings is to serve as a sworn statement presented as evidence. Affidavits are typically written documents in which individuals declare under oath that the information contained within is true to the best of their knowledge. This type of evidence can be important for various reasons, including supporting motions, establishing facts in court, or providing testimony when a witness cannot be present.

Affidavits carry legal weight because the person signing the document is asserting the truthfulness of its contents, and if proven false, they may face legal consequences for perjury. This makes affidavits a valuable tool in legal proceedings, as they provide a means for parties to convey critical information to the court efficiently and effectively.