The act of affirming the truth of one’s statement. It serves the same purpose as an oath and is usually done when the declarant objects to making an oath on religious or ethical ground.  A voluntary and written exparte statement of facts. It is sometimes required that the document be signed and the truth of its content be affirmed by the declarant in the presence of a notary public or another officer authorized to administer oaths. See also oath, affirm, and affidavit.