What is an Oath and Solemn Declaration?
An oath is when a person swears that the contents of a document are true and correct. A solemn declaration is when a person solemnly declares that the contents of a document are true and correct. An oath and a solemn declaration have essentially the same legal effect. The person making the oath or solemn declaration is called a deponent. The act of administering an oath or solemn declaration is called commissioning an oath. It is not necessary that the deponent hold a religious book, or raise his/her hand to undertake an oath or solemn declaration. A person may be prosecuted criminally for knowingly making a false oath or solemn declaration.
