Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Definitions:
Legal Document- any document affecting the legal rights of any person including, but not
limited to, any deed, mortgage, will, trust instrument, contract or any document filed in any court,
quasi-judicial or administrative tribunal.
3. Ensure the correct use of grammar. Correct use of grammar and spelling is imperative for
all professional documentation. Be fastidious about the use of grammar and punctuation in
order to avoid confusion in legal text.
4. Be as accurate as possible. Ensure that all document content is true and detailed. One
small inaccuracy can create a world of doubt with regards to the validity of the document.
5. Make information accessible. Legal documents tend to be long and time-consuming to both
compile and read. Make it easier on readers by defining important sections of the document for
easy reference. Use tags, reference points, and color-coded markers in the document where all
relevant information can be found with paging through wads of paper.
6. Ensure all necessary information is included. Supply all technical information needed. But
unnecessary footnotes, anecdotes, and long-winded explanations are distracting.
7. Always use an active voice. Using the active voice in writing is essential for eliminating
confusion. Basically, it outlines who must perform what in a sentence. Passive voice only makes
sentences longer, creating more opportunity for ambiguity within your legal text. Passive verbs
usually end with ''en'' or ''ed.'' An example of using a passive voice: ''The legal document was
written by the lawyer.'' Instead, this sentence can be simplified by using an active voice: ''The
lawyer wrote the legal document.''
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REVIEW NOTES ON LEGAL FORMS
Rodolfo V. Castillo, Jr., RCrim, LPT, JD, Ph.D.
8. Pay attention to imperatives. This is especially pertinent in legal texts because imperatives
are used to define a legal obligation. In other words, an imperative outlines a legal instruction.
Common imperatives used in legal documents include the words: shall, must, will, and should.
Using the right imperatives in your sentences helps to clearly define your meaning. For
example, ''shall'' creates a sense of obligation, but can also be interpreted as optional. If you
want an instruction to be translated as legally obligatory, it's better to use the imperative ''must.''
9. Use direct language. This is similar to the use of active voice in your writing and helps to
define instruction within a legal document. Regulations, procedures, instructions, and lists of
duties must all be written in direct language to avoid confusion or creating the illusion of
''optional''. An example of direct language is: ''Sign all copies and return as instructed.''
Ultimately, this style of writing results in procedures that are easier to understand and carry out.
10. Use consistent descriptions. Finally, always keep the content descriptions consistent
throughout each section of the legal document. This means that avoid using too many variations
of works to denote the same thing. It creates confusion. Using a synonym, rather than repeating
the same word is not recommended. Just stick to consistent wording and avoid ambiguity. For
example, choose to use the word ''motor vehicle'' and try not to change between ''car,'' ''vehicle,''
or ''automobile.''
The Affidavit
Formal sworn statement of fact, signed by the declarant called an affiant and witnessed by a
taker of oath such as a notary public.
The uses of affidavits include: (1) 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; and (2) To obtain a
declaration on a legal document that the information provided by the applicant is truthful to the
best of the applicant’s knowledge.
If an affidavit is notarized or authenticated, it will also include a caption with a venue and title
in reference to judicial proceedings. These may be written in the first or third person, depending
on who drafted the document. If in the first person, the document’s component parts are:
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REVIEW NOTES ON LEGAL FORMS
Rodolfo V. Castillo, Jr., RCrim, LPT, JD, Ph.D.
Parts of an affidavit:
1. The Header
S.S. means SCILICET/SUBSCRIPSI. SCILICET means "to wit; namely" while SUBSCRIPSI
means "to write or sign below". Hence the above is understood to mean, "Republic of the
Philippines namely subscribed in City of Manila". This part of an Affidavit refers to the venue
where the same was executed. It also indicates the jurisdiction within which the notary public
may administer oaths.
2. The Title
The common title of an Affidavit is Affidavit or if there are two or more affiants, Joint Affidavit.
However, there are some Affidavits which has been designated with a name such as Affidavit of
Loss, Affidavit of Quitclaim and Affidavit of One and the Same Person.
3. The Body
The body is the majority of the affidavit. It can still be divided into two sub-parts.
A. Opening Statement
An opening statement where the affiant states his name, nationality, that he is of legal age, his
residential address and that he has been sworn to in accordance with law.
Example:
I, _________________, of legal age, single/married/widow, Filipino citizen, and presently
residing at _____________________, after having been duly sworn to in accordance with law,
do hereby depose and say:
Here you simply narrate facts. You divide them by paragraphs which you may identify with
numbers or letters. The important thing here is that you narrate facts and not conclusions and
that you do it in the most accurate way possible.
The last of the paragraphs usually goes like this and it can vary but the meaning should be the
same.
I attest to the truth of the foregoing facts and for whatever legal purpose this Affidavit may serve.
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Rodolfo V. Castillo, Jr., RCrim, LPT, JD, Ph.D.
This is placed after the body. This is where the affiant signs his name. It appears like this.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ____ day of _______ 20____ at
______________, Philippines.
Signed
_____________________________
Affiant
5. Jurat
The last part of an Affidavit is a jurat. It is the part of the Affidavit wherein the notarial officer
indicates that the affiant has subscribed and sworn to in his presence and that the latter has
shown a proof of his/her identity to the former. Furthermore, this part is where the notarial officer
affixes his seal and signature, notarial information and the record details of the Affidavit. It
usually goes like this.
Notary Public
Atty. __________________________
Notary Public for ____________
Appointment No. ____ Until _________ 20____
Roll of Attorney No. _________
PTR No. _________ IBP No. _________
MCLE Compliance No. _________
Doc. No. ______;
Page No. ______;
Book No. ______;
Series of ______;
Uses of Affidavit
An Affidavit can be used for a variety of reasons and for any transaction where it is necessary to
swear to the truthfulness of certain facts. The Affidavit can be submitted as evidence in support
of a court case or criminal complaint before the Office of the Prosecutor. It may also be
executed in a business transaction to verify certain facts about the business.
We also have specialized Affidavits that are tailored to the most common situations
(e.g. Affidavit of Desistance, Affidavit of Loss). We recommend using our specialized
Affidavits if they apply to your situation.
1. The name and details (e.g. nationality and address) of the Affiant;
2. The facts being asserted as true; and
3. The purpose for which the Affidavit is being executed.
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REVIEW NOTES ON LEGAL FORMS
Rodolfo V. Castillo, Jr., RCrim, LPT, JD, Ph.D.
Affidavit of Complainant
vs
Accused
x--------------------------------x
COMPLAINT
Contrary to law.
____________________________
________________________
JUDGE
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Rodolfo V. Castillo, Jr., RCrim, LPT, JD, Ph.D.
Affidavit of Witnesses
x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x
AFFIDAVIT OF WITNESS
01. I was present and personally saw that accused, __________, committed the
crime of ___________________________ against the victim _______________;
02. (State other circumstances and the relation either to the victim or accused or
both);
03. (State the details of the acts committed by the accused against the victim.
04. (State the acts done by the witness and the reason thereof);
I executed this affidavit to attest the truthfulness of the foregoing facts and to support the
filing of Criminal Cases against _______________________________ for violations of
________________________.
_______________________________
Affiant
_____________________
Notary Public
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Rodolfo V. Castillo, Jr., RCrim, LPT, JD, Ph.D.
x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x
We, the UNDERSIGNED Police Officers, both members of the Philippine National
Police, presently assigned at the __________________________, _________,
_____________, do hereby depose and state THAT:
02. Said operation stemmed from the complaint of _____________ for violation
of ______________________________________ which was referred to our office by the
______________________________ against _____________________, (age), (civil status),
(nationality) and residing at No. __________________________, __________________;
03. On the complaint dated _______________, (state the act and the crime
committed).
04. Upon receipt of their said complaint, our office planned out an entrapment
operation against the suspect. At about ______________ of ______________, the undersigned
together with the complainant proceeded at the pre-arranged pay off
_________________________ located along ____________________________, __________
to give the money being asked by the respondent;
05. Upon arrival thereat, complainants waited for the suspect to arrive while we
the undersigned seated near the table of the complainants. At about ________, suspect arrived
and approached the complainants and after few conversation, complainants handed over the
marked money to the suspect that minutes of prompted the undersigned to immediately effect
arrest;
06. Seized and recovered in the possession and control of the arrested person
were the following, to wit:
07. Suspect together with the seized and recovered evidence was brought to the
___________________________________, ____________, ___________ for booking and
proper disposition. Likewise, the arrested person was apprised of their rights as provided for
under the Constitution of the Philippines.
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Rodolfo V. Castillo, Jr., RCrim, LPT, JD, Ph.D.
08. The report of the PNP Crime Laboratory Group Physical Identification Report
No. ___________ dated __________, revealed that suspect ______________________ was
POSITIVE for the presence of Bright Yellow Ultraviolet Fluorescent powder on both palm and
right dorsal portion of the hands.
We executed this joint affidavit to attest the truthfulness of the foregoing facts and to
support the filing of Criminal Cases against _______________________________ for violations
of ________________________.
_______________________________ ____________________________
Affiant Affiant
_____________________
Administering Officer
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Rodolfo V. Castillo, Jr., RCrim, LPT, JD, Ph.D.
-versus- FOR:
x------------------------------------------x
That relative to the said information, at around ________, the informer and _________
together with the undersigned conducted investigation and surveillance operation at
___________________, located at _____________________________, __________. The
undersigned together with ____________ and _____________ inquires to the said office about
_______________.
That on the said occasions, SUBJECT OF S.W, disclosed that they are (illegal
activities). (See photos & sketch and See Attached Calling Card, List of Requirements,
Studio Romano Job Order Form & MTC Job Information as Annexes “B” - “C”)
(modus operandi).
That on the said investigation and surveillance operation the undersigned confirmed and
believes that SUBJECT OF SW and/or any of its Officer, Agents, employees of
_____________________________________, __________ is indeed engaged in
________________________despite the fact that the said office is ________________and is
not licensed to __________________.
The properties, articles, objects and items which are used and/or intended to be used in
the commission of the afore-stated offense in the possession of the SUBJECT OF S.W includes
the following:
a. Leads
b. ....
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REVIEW NOTES ON LEGAL FORMS
Rodolfo V. Castillo, Jr., RCrim, LPT, JD, Ph.D.
The undersigned has personally verified the report thru surveillance and investigation
activities together with _________________ and _______________, to ascertain the veracity
thereof and found the same to be true and correct;
PRAYER
a. that the Honorable Court include in the Search Warrant and express authority to
conduct the raid of the above-mentioned premises at any time of the day or night
including SATURDAYS and SUNDAYS considering that these are the days when
the customer traffic are at its peak and to break open the premises to be searched
should the owner thereof refuse entry in the premises or is absent therein.
b. that this Honorable Court cause the immediate issuance of a Search Warrant
commanding any Peace Officer to conduct a search on the above-described
premises and to seize the above-described items to be dealt with as the law directs;
(Date), (Place).
________________
Applicant
______________________
Presiding Judge
3. I further certify that (a) I have not therefore commenced or filed any application
for a Search Warrant involving the same issues in any court, tribunal or quasi-
judicial agency and to the best of my knowledge, no such other application for
Search Warrant is pending therein; (b) If there is such other pending Application
for Search Warrant, I will therefore inform this Honorable Court of the present
status thereof; (c) If I should thereafter learn that the same and similar application
for Search Warrant has been filed or its pending , I shall report that fact within
five (5) days there from to this Honorable Court, wherein the aforesaid
application for Search Warrant has been filed.
____________________
Applicant
Date: ___________________
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Rodolfo V. Castillo, Jr., RCrim, LPT, JD, Ph.D.
Deposition of Witness
Plaintiff
-versus- For
_________________________ _________________________
Respondent
x------------------------------------------x
DEPOSITION OF WITNESSES
Q- Do you have personal knowledge that in said premises the following properties are being kept,
being used or intended to be used without proper documents, to wit: _______________
A-
Q- Do you know who is or who is the person or persons who have or have control of him above-
described properties?
A-
Q. How did you know that the said properties are kept in his/her premises which are subject of the
offense?
A- We conducted discreet surveillance and it was confirmed that ________________ is keeping
___________________ in his/her premises/ residence.
__________________________ __________________________
Affiant Affiant
_________________________
Judge
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REVIEW NOTES ON LEGAL FORMS
Rodolfo V. Castillo, Jr., RCrim, LPT, JD, Ph.D.
Complaint
vs
Accused
x--------------------------------x
COMPLAINT
Contrary to law.
____________________________
Chief of Police of ______________
________________________
JUDGE
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REVIEW NOTES ON LEGAL FORMS
Rodolfo V. Castillo, Jr., RCrim, LPT, JD, Ph.D.
COMPLAINANT/S: RESPONDENT/S
1.______________________________ 1. _________________________________
2. _____________________________ 2. __________________________________
_____________________________ __________________________________
3. _____________________________ 3. __________________________________
_____________________________ __________________________________
CHARGE: 4. __________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Witness:
_____________________________ ____________________________________
_____________________________ ____________________________________
NOTE:1. Has a similar complaint been filed before any other office? (YES OR NO)
3. Are all the above information true and correct _____________(YES OR NO)
On relation of________________________
________________________________
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REVIEW NOTES ON LEGAL FORMS
Rodolfo V. Castillo, Jr., RCrim, LPT, JD, Ph.D.
________________________________
Investigation Prosecutor
IMPORTANT!
A complainant shall be required to file his complaint in the form of an affidavit to which
must be appended affidavit of witnesses, annexes and other supporting documents. The
statements of the complainant and his witnesses, shall be, far as practicable, be sworn to before
the investigating Prosecutor. If sworn before any Officer authorized to administer oaths, the
administering Officer shall CERTIFY THAT HE HAS PERSONALLY EXAMINED THE AFFIANT
AND THAT HE VOLUNTARILY EXECUTED AND UNDERSTOOD HIS AFFIDAVIT.
______________________________ _____________________________
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REVIEW NOTES ON LEGAL FORMS
Rodolfo V. Castillo, Jr., RCrim, LPT, JD, Ph.D.
Notice of Appeal
__________________________________
_____________________
Complainant-Appellant,
-versus- For
_________________________ _________________________
Accused-Appellee,
x------------------------------------------x
NOTICE OF APPEAL
COMES NOW the complain by the undersigned attorney and within the reglementary
period prescribed by the Rules of Court hereby files this notice of appeal from the judgement of
dismissal rendered by ___________________ of ____________
_______________________________
_______________________________
(Address)
_______________________________
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REVIEW NOTES ON LEGAL FORMS
Rodolfo V. Castillo, Jr., RCrim, LPT, JD, Ph.D.
COMES NOW the complainant by the undersigned attorney and within the reglementary
period prescribed by the Rules of Court hereby files this motion for reconsideration from the
judgement of rendered by ___________________ of ____________ by virtue of newly found
evidence which was not obtained during the trial of this case and if produce will substantially
affect the decision of the Honorable Court, to wit:
a. Newly found evidence
b. New vital witness
PRAYER
_______________________________
(Attorney for the Complainant)
_______________________________
(Address)
Copy hereof received ________ this
___________ day of _________, ________
_______________________________
(Counsel for the Accused)
______________________________
(Prosecutor on Case)
EXPLANATION
(Proof of Service)
_______________________________
(Attorney for the Complainant)
_______________________________
(Address)
-END-
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Rodolfo V. Castillo, Jr., RCrim, LPT, JD, Ph.D.
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