Document background
The Common Law Statutory Declaration is a crucial legal instrument in the United States legal system, used when formal verification of facts is required without the need for a sworn oath before a court. This document type emerged from common law traditions and is now governed by both federal statutes (such as 28 U.S.C. § 1746) and state-specific regulations. It serves multiple purposes, including verifying personal information, confirming business details, supporting visa applications, or providing evidence in administrative proceedings. The declaration must include specific elements to be legally valid, including the declarant's personal information, explicit statements of truth, and proper execution formalities. While similar to affidavits, Common Law Statutory Declarations offer a more flexible approach while maintaining legal significance through the penalty of perjury provision.
