What term refers to a sworn written statement made under oath?

The term that refers to a sworn written statement made under oath is an affidavit. An affidavit is a legal document that is used to provide evidence in court or legal proceedings. It must be signed by the person making the statement (the affiant) and is typically notarized, which confirms the identity of the signer and the fact that the statement was made under oath.

Affidavits are often used in various legal contexts, such as in property disputes, divorce proceedings, or to validate certain claims. The purpose of an affidavit is to ensure that the statement is made with the seriousness of an oath, which adds a layer of credibility and accountability to the information presented.

While testimony is also a sworn statement, it generally refers to oral statements made in court rather than a written document. Certificates pertain to formal documents certifying facts, and declarations may be written statements but do not always carry the same legal weight as affidavits, especially regarding the sworn aspect. This distinction is what makes "affidavit" the correct answer.