Jurat vs Acknowledgements: What’s The Difference?

Jurats and acknowledgements are topics that do not need any introduction for those working in the notary capacity. However, for a layman, there are differences between the two. It is crucial to understand what sets Jurats apart from acknowledgements because they are often confused due to the significantly high number of similarities between them.  Both Jurats and acknowledgements are certificates that are used to authenticate identity of the individual signing the document.

However, one essential element that cannot be overlooked is that the Jurats notary doesn’t decide which of the two acts would be a more feasible choice in a particular scenario. If the authority is unable to reach a conclusion regarding the type of act that could be deemed appropriate, it is the creator of the document who should be questioned in this matter.
Let’s now take a look at the differences between acknowledgements and Jurats.

Acknowledgements

The reason services of a notary public agent are sought for acknowledgment is because of the need to identify the individual signing a document. While making an acknowledgement, the notary public agent has to certify that he has not only met the individual signing the document but has also identified him. On top of it, the notary has to guarantee that the individual signing the document is filling the document accurately, out of his own accord and without any external coercion. It has to be kept in mind that the notary public agent cannot be held accountable for the authenticity of the contents in the document.

The notary’s presence at the time of signing of document is not mandatory. The individual can sign the document beforehand. However, it is crucial that the individual signing the document appears in front of the notary service agent with documents attesting to his identification. The individual will then have to sign the notary’s public journal. As soon as the process completes, the individual will be handed over a certificate of acknowledgement with the notary’s seal on it.

Jurats

When it comes to Jurats, it is more than a certificate authenticating the identification of the individual signing the document. Unlike an acknowledgement, a Jurat is used when the individual signing the document has to take an oath that the stated content in the document is based on complete honesty.

Jurat is used when it is desired to encourage the individual signing the documents to stay honest and truthful. The role a notary public agent plats is to ensure that during the proceedings, the individual’s conscience is motivated to discourage him from committing a perjury of one kind or the other. If the individual is signing a document that states fabricated or false information, he would commit a criminal offense by acting upon his intention. During jurat, the notary public agent has to ensure that the document is signed in his presence and that the individual signing the document swears an oath on honor. It is then known as an affirmation.

The use for jurats usually arises during legal proceedings, such as along with depositions and affidavits. In both the cases, the individual signing the document attests to the fact that they will stand by the honesty of his/her statement.