An Affidavit is a sworn statement made before a notary public which explains to the court why your request should be granted. If you need to know the legal meaning of a term, you can consult a legal dictionary or a type of finding tool called Words and Phrases.Affirmation: A formal declaration that a statement is true. To lie is perjury and a person can be punished. Legal dictionaries define common legal words and terms. Affidavit: a sworn or affirmed statement made in writing and signed; if sworn, it is notarized. This Part applies to all criminal proceedings and to all civil proceedings and other matters whatever respecting which Parliament has jurisdiction. Affirmation:To promise that a statement is true. When someone "swears" to tell the truth, they are considered to be taking an oath on their faith in a god. The undersigned affiant,.