What is the impact of an affidavit in court?

An affidavit plays a significant role in court as a written statement made under oath, which serves as confirmation of the truthfulness of the content within it. By providing evidence confirmed by oath, an affidavit holds a degree of credibility and legal weight, making it a valuable document during judicial proceedings. This sworn statement can be used to present facts, assert claims, or support motions, and is often essential in legal contexts where witnesses may not be available to testify in person.

The other options address different aspects of legal processes. While an affidavit may indeed be used as a basis for further investigation, it is primarily its nature as a sworn statement that qualifies it as evidence, rather than just a starting point for inquiry. Preventing new trials and establishing court jurisdiction involve different legal principles and mechanisms that are not directly tied to the function of an affidavit. The core utility of an affidavit lies in its role as a reliable source of evidentiary support, confirmed by an individual's oath to its truth.