A jurat is a formal certification that a document has been signed in the presence of a notary public or other authorized official. It typically includes a statement affirming that the signer swore or affirmed the truthfulness of the contents of the document. Jurats are commonly used in legal documents, such as affidavits, to ensure the integrity of the information provided. In a jurat, the notary public will usually sign and seal the document, indicating that they witnessed the signing. This process helps to prevent fraud and ensures that the signer is aware of the legal implications of their statements. Jurats are important in various legal contexts, including court proceedings and official filings.