A. AFFIDAVIT vs.

SWORN STATEMENT
Venn Diagram

AFFIDAVIT SWORN STATEMENT

 Specifically designated  Can be used for a variety

for use in legal
proceedings such as
lawsuits, divorces,
evictions, etc.
 Must be notarized
 Detailed contents
 Required
of purposes
 statements made  Does not have to be
under oath or notarized
affirmation before a  Broad contents
person authorized to  Voluntary
administer oaths
 used to provide
credible evidence in
legal proceedings
 must be accurate,
truthful, and reflect
the best knowledge
of the person
making the

Similarities:

Both affidavits and sworn statements are statements made under oath or affirmation before a person authorized to
administer oaths, such as a judge, notary public, magistrate, or others.

Both affidavits and sworn statements are used to provide credible evidence in legal proceedings.

Both affidavits and sworn statements must be accurate, truthful, and reflect the best knowledge of the person making
the statement.

Differences:

An affidavit is specifically designated for use in legal proceedings, such as lawsuits, divorces, evictions, etc. It must be
executed under oath or affirmation and notarized before it can be submitted. In contrast, a sworn statement can be
used for a variety of purposes and does not have to be notarized.

The contents of affidavits and sworn statements may also differ. Affidavits typically require the individual to swear that
the information provided is true and correct, and to sign and date the document. Sworn statements may also require
the individual to swear that the information provided is true and correct, but do not require the notarization.

Affidavits often contain detailed information or testimony about a particular matter. Sworn statements can be broader
and may cover a variety of issues.

Affidavits may be required by specific legal proceedings, such as a bankruptcy filing. In contrast, sworn statements are
not always required and can be used voluntarily.
 B. COMPLAINT vs. INFORMATION
Venn Diagram

COMPLAINT INFORMATION

 Used in civil case  Used in criminal case

 Filed by a plaintiff
 Contains specific factual
allegations and legal claims
supporting the plaintiff's
case
 May not be that detailed
 the plaintiff need only prove
a "balance of probabilities."
 Written statements
 Contains names of
parties involved and
statement of relief
sought
 Must be accurate
and truthful
 Must be served
upon the defendant
 Filed by a prosecutor
 Contains the charges
being brought against the
defendant, including any
relevant facts, laws, and
statutes
 Detailed
 The prosecution must
prove guilt beyond a
reasonable doubt

Similarities:

 Both complaints and information are written statements that are filed with a court and describe the legal basis for a
lawsuit or criminal charge.
 Both documents typically include the names of the parties involved and a statement of the relief sought.
 Both documents must be accurate and truthful, and must provide enough detail for the opposing party to prepare a
defense.

Differences:

 A complaint is typically used in a civil case and is filed by a plaintiff (the person or entity who believes they have
been wronged) to initiate a lawsuit. It must be served upon the defendant (the person or entity being sued) and
contains specific factual allegations and legal claims supporting the plaintiff's case.
 An information is typically used in a criminal case and is filed by a prosecutor (such as a district attorney or attorney
general) to initiate criminal charges. It must be served upon the defendant and contains the charges being brought
against the defendant, including any relevant facts, laws, and statutes.
 A complaint may not be required to contain the same level of detail as an information. In contrast, the information
must contain specific details of the alleged crime, including who committed the crime, when and where it occurred,
and any relevant evidence.
 The standard of proof required to establish guilt in a criminal case is higher than in a civil case. In a criminal case, the
prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, while in a civil case, the plaintiff need only prove a
"balance of probabilities."