What is the difference between an "acknowledgment" and a "jurat"?

The correct choice highlights the fundamental distinction between an acknowledgment and a jurat, which is essential in notarial practice. An acknowledgment serves to confirm that the signer of a document has willingly signed it, thus verifying their intent and authenticity of the signature. This means that the notary confirms that the individual personally appeared before them and acknowledged the signing of the document.

On the other hand, a jurat involves taking an oath. It requires the signer to swear or affirm that the contents of a document are truthful. When a jurat is performed, the notary certifies that the signer took this oath at the time of signing, which adds a layer of credibility regarding the truthfulness of the document's contents.

Understanding this difference ensures notaries execute their duties correctly, as each notarial act serves a specific legal purpose and has different implications based on the document's requirements.