what is an affidavit and what purpose does it serve?

Answer 1

you swear an affidavit to say you are telling the truth before a trial or any legal agreement you swear on the bible or all things that are dear to you (which is a better idea these days)
and if you don't in some circumstances you don't get what you want ie legal representation

Answer 2

An affidavit is a formal sworn statement of fact, signed by the declarant (who is called the affiant or deponent) and witnessed (as to the veracity of the affiant's signature) by a taker of oaths, such as a notary public. The name is Medieval Latin for he has declared upon oath.

Uses of affidavits include:

To allow evidence to be gathered from witnesses or participants who may not be available to testify in person before the court, or who may otherwise fear for their safety if their true identities are revealed in court.
To obtain a declaration on a legal document, such as an application for voter registration, that the information provided by the applicant is truthful to the best of the applicant's knowledge. If, after signing such a declaration, the information is found to be deliberately untrue with the intent to deceive, the applicant may face perjury charges.

Answer 3

With law enforcement, an affidavit is your formal written complaint under oath of an indicent that occured. A law enforcement officer will swear you to your statement, which you will be held to in a court of law. Depending on circumstances, your affidavit may be forwarded from the law enforcement agency, to the State Attorney's Office and court house for court proceedings.

Answer 4

It is a sworn statement used for a legal purpose. If you are injured in a car accident and have no insurance of your own, you may be asked to sign an affidavit of no insurance.

Answer 5

And most commonly used in divorce papers