Define the word jurat.

• A. The certificate stating when and before whom the complaint was sworn.
• B. The seal of the court.
• C. The judge's signature at the bottom of the complaint.
• D. The case number printed on the header.

Answer: (A)

The jurat is the sworn-oath certification at the end of a document like a complaint or affidavit. It records the date and place where the oath was taken and identifies the official before whom the oath was administered (typically a notary or other authorized officer), with that officer’s signature. This certification confirms that the statements were sworn to truth under oath, which is essential for the document’s validity in court. It’s not the court’s seal, not the judge’s signature, and not the case number, which serve separate purposes in documenting authority, identity, or filing details.