Final answer:
A jurat is a notary's written certificate on a sworn statement, confirming that the signer swore to or affirmed the truthfulness of the document's content in the presence of a notary.
Step-by-step explanation:
A jurat is C) A notary's written certificate on a sworn statement. This is a crucial part of many legal documents where the signer must swear or affirm that the contents of the document are true and correct. The jurat certifies that an oath or affirmation was made before a notary, and it indicates the date and location where this occurred. It typically includes a phrase similar to "Subscribed and sworn to before me on this day...", followed by the notary's signature and seal. Jurats are often used in affidavits, depositions, and certain declarations.
The term 'jurat' should not be confused with 'jury,' which is a body of citizens sworn to give a verdict in a court of law, or 'jurisdiction,' which refers to the territory within which power can be exercised by courts or governmental agencies. Understanding the jurat's role is part of recognizing the thorough and methodical nature of court proceedings in contrast to their oft-dramatized portrayal in media.