What is the purpose of an affidavit?

An affidavit serves as a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, typically used as evidence in legal proceedings. Since it is sworn to be true by the person making it, an affidavit can provide reliable documentation of facts, claims, or information that may be pertinent to a case. This makes it a vital component in many legal processes, allowing parties to introduce evidence without requiring the witness to be physically present in court.

The other choices do not accurately describe the primary function of an affidavit. For instance, determining guilt or innocence is typically the role of a judge or jury through the examination of evidence and testimonies during a trial, rather than through a written statement. A plea bargain is a negotiation between a prosecutor and a defendant, often involving a guilty plea in exchange for a more lenient sentence; this is unrelated to the function of an affidavit. Similarly, issuing a summons is a procedural step in legal proceedings to notify a person of a lawsuit or court appearance, which does not involve the sworn statement characteristic of an affidavit.