What is a key characteristic of a sworn statement?

A sworn statement is fundamentally characterized by the requirement that it must be made under oath. This means that the person making the statement, known as the affiant, is affirming the truthfulness of the content, typically in front of a notary public or a similar authority. The element of taking an oath adds a layer of legal accountability and seriousness to the statement, indicating that the affiant can face penalties for perjury if the statement is proven to be false.

The other characteristics mentioned in the options do not necessarily apply to all sworn statements. While many sworn statements are indeed written and formatted formally, they can also take on different forms depending on the jurisdictions and specific legal contexts. Additionally, sworn statements do not need to be given exclusively in court; they are often used in a variety of legal documents and proceedings outside of the courtroom. Furthermore, the affiant’s signature is an essential part of verifying the authenticity of the document, so a sworn statement typically does require this signature to validate it.