What is a person called who makes a declaration in a legal context?

In a legal context, a person who makes a declaration is referred to as a declarant. This term specifically designates someone who offers testimony or is expressing a statement, especially in the context of affidavits or other legal documents where a statement is made under penalty of perjury. The role of a declarant is important because their statement can serve as evidence in legal proceedings or transactions.

The term has a foundational significance in legal practices, particularly in sworn statements, where the declarant attests to the truth of the information provided. A declarant plays a critical role in documents that may require notarization, as their identity and credibility must be verified to ensure the integrity of the declaration.

Other terms mentioned in the choices represent different legal concepts or roles. For instance, an affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, but it refers to the document rather than the person who makes the declaration. Testator, on the other hand, refers specifically to a person who has made a will, indicating a narrower context that does not encompass all types of declarations. The term testifier is not commonly used in legal language and might be confused with testimony but does not accurately capture the formal designation of a person making a declaration.

Thus, declarant