An affidavit is...

An affidavit is...

• A. A verbal statement made under oath.
• B. A summary of evidence provided by the prosecutor.
• C. A court order instructing property seizure.
• D. A written document where affiant states facts establishing probable cause to search a person or place for something.

Answer: (D)

An affidavit is a written statement sworn under oath by the affiant that lays out the facts establishing probable cause for a search or seizure. This written, sworn account is used to persuade a judge to issue a warrant. It’s not a verbal statement made in court, not a prosecutor’s summary of evidence, and not the court order itself. Instead, it provides specific facts—observations, information from reliable sources, dates, locations, and why those facts indicate that evidence or contraband will be found at a particular place or on a particular person. The judge evaluates the affidavit to determine whether the described facts amount to probable cause before issuing the warrant.

An affidavit is a written statement sworn under oath by the affiant that lays out the facts establishing probable cause for a search or seizure. This written, sworn account is used to persuade a judge to issue a warrant. It’s not a verbal statement made in court, not a prosecutor’s summary of evidence, and not the court order itself. Instead, it provides specific facts—observations, information from reliable sources, dates, locations, and why those facts indicate that evidence or contraband will be found at a particular place or on a particular person. The judge evaluates the affidavit to determine whether the described facts amount to probable cause before issuing the warrant.