53+ Sample Sworn Statements

What Is a Sworn Statement?

A sworn declaration or statement refers to the official written statement that confirms what is true in a legal case, may it be an account related to employment, immigration, indemnity, or even a personal matter. According to Access Accountability, this document must be signed by the one who declared the statement (declarant). So if lies are committed, the penalty of perjury is bound to happen. And sworn statements have been raised countless times in the field of jurisprudence.

Bear in mind that it is required for a declarant to sign the sworn statement to attest that everything written in the document is true. Hence, lying leads to perjury.

What Are the Elements of a Sworn Statement?

There are basically five major elements in a standard sworn statement. These are the declarant’s details, incident description, official endorsement, declarant’s signature, and date. But what specifically are they? Without further ado, here is a closer look at each element:

Declarant’s Personal Details: The declarant should be identified to know who made the sworn statement in the first place. The name, age, address, contact list details, occupation, and other essential details might be asked.Incident Description: What event, issue, or incident happened? Just like an incident report, write its detailed account in this section. Examples include the exact time and date of the incident, the names of the witnesses, the location of the incident, and what exactly was done or stated.Endorsement Paragraph: The endorsement statement is where you officially write the statement of declaration. Mention that all content is sworn true. That same goes for making the statement subject to perjury and as evidence for legal proceedings.Declarant’s Signature: This part is self-explanatory. The declarant should clearly affix his or her signature as confirmation of the sworn statement.Date: Lastly, insert the date of when the statement was made. Inserting the day, month, and year will do.

How to Write a Sworn Statement

Making a sworn statement isn’t that difficult, most especially when you use a template as seen from the sample sworn statements above. But in writing the statement itself, there are a few important considerations. And you can follow these steps to ace it:

Step 1: Set the Introductory Statement

A clear introductory statement immediately gives the gist right into the introduction. Start with the document’s title ‘Sworn Statement’ including your personal details. And all the elements of a sworn statement discussed before should be added individually. And the key to writing a sworn statement is to organize all events. A chronological sequence is effective instead of having jumbled information.

Step 2: Write in the First-Person Format

The sworn statement documents usually begin with “I, (declarant’s name), hereby affirm or swear as follows…” And it is common knowledge that writing in the first person is required for the sworn statement’s format. Be clear with your sentences as much as possible, and most importantly, state the truth.

Step 3: Mention All Details and Prevent Opinions

It is important for sworn statements to be detailed. However, opinions are unwelcome. Maybe you used riddles, hyperboles, or simply saying that someone is dressed badly. Those are a big no-no. Instead, be more specific. Focus more on reporting what you literally saw from the incident.

Step 4: Sign the Sworn Statement

A sworn statement includes a closing statement and finally ends with the signature line. Read and review everything written if they are correct and true until you can sign it. Once signed, the document is officially under oath. Also, submit the sworn statement to the court or prepare the affidavit if you have an attorney.

FAQs

What is the difference between a sworn statement and an affidavit?

Although a sworn statement and an affidavit are quite alike, their major difference lies in the witnesses. An affidavit requires a public official seal and a witness or public notary. Meanwhile, the sworn statement needs not to be witnessed nor sealed.

Why is a sworn statement important?

A sworn statement is essential to know who is declaring or even how much is being owed. For example, notarized or signed sworn statements testify an oath that the declarant’s information given is true. More so, a sworn statement of purpose can also lead to giving consequences to liars and documenting what happened legally.

What other forms are usually linked to sworn statements?

Sworn statements may link to many other forms of documents related to immigration, affidavit of identity, proof of loss, disclosure, probate estate, and more.

Just like writing a detailed letter, making the sworn statement requires loads of information, evidence, and the truth. But, don’t take your words lightly because some statements could be twisted, misconstrued, or turned against you. Writing a testimony affects one’s life big time especially in a legal case’s result. So be sure to write it thoroughly using sample sworn statements.