When an affiant's conscience will not permit the affiant to use the term swear, an _______________ is permissible.

• A. Affidavit
• B. Declaration
• C. Oath
• D. Affirmation

Answer: (D)

Affirmation is permissible. When someone’s conscience prevents them from using the term “swear,” they can still commit to telling the truth by making an affirmation, which has the same legal effect as an oath. In Texas and many jurisdictions, a notary can administer either an oath or an affirmation, and the language simply changes from “I swear” to “I solemnly affirm.” The core idea is the same: the affiant promises to tell the truth and may face penalties for perjury if they lie. The other options describe different document types or forms (an affidavit is a written statement that can be sworn or affirmed; a declaration is typically a non-sworn statement; an oath is the sworn form itself), but they do not replace the act of making the truthfulness commitment when swearing is objectionable.