What is a written statement made under oath before a judicial officer called?

A written statement made under oath before a judicial officer is known as an affidavit. This legal document serves several purposes, such as supporting a case or providing evidence in court. An affidavit typically includes a declaration of facts that the affiant, or person making the affidavit, asserts to be true. The act of swearing under oath adds a layer of credibility and legal weight to the statements made within the document.

In the context of legal proceedings, affidavits are commonly used in various situations, such as as part of motions in court, to contest another party's claims, or to present evidence when a witness is not available to testify personally. The requirement for the declaration to be made under oath signifies that the affiant is legally bound to tell the truth, which is critical in legal contexts.

The other options, such as a settlement statement, mechanics' lien, and foreclosure, pertain to different legal practices and concepts. A settlement statement details the financial aspects of a real estate transaction, a mechanics' lien refers to a claim against a property for unpaid work or materials, and foreclosure is the legal process of reclaiming property due to a failure to pay the mortgage. Each serves distinct functions within real estate law and finance, but they do not relate to