Notary

Question 1

What is the definition of a Notary Public?

Answer 1

A public official appointed by a state government to serve as an impartial witness in the execution of important legal documents.

Question 2

What is the primary function of a Notary Public?

Answer 2

To verify the identity of signatories, ensure they are signing willingly and knowingly, and to authenticate the execution of documents.

Question 3

Name three notarial acts performed by a Notary Public.

Answer 3

• Administering oaths and affirmations
• Certifying copies of documents
• Executing acknowledgments and jurats

Question 4

In which ancient civilization did the role of the Notary Public originate?

Answer 4

Rome

Question 5

What was the role of the ‘notarius’ in Roman times?

Answer 5

A scribe who recorded judicial proceedings and legal agreements.

Question 6

How did the role of the Notary Public evolve during the Middle Ages?

Answer 6

Notaries became central to the documentation of commercial transactions and legal agreements.

Question 7

In which countries was the notarial profession formalized?

Answer 7

• Italy
• France

Question 8

When did the practice of notaries spread to the Americas?

Answer 8

During the colonial period.

Question 9

What legal tradition established the role of the Notary Public in the U.S.?

Answer 9

English common law.

Question 10

What authority do states have regarding Notary Publics in the U.S.?

Answer 10

Each state has the authority to regulate the appointment, duties, and conduct of notaries.

Question 11

What has caused the role of the Notary Public to expand over time?

Answer 11

The needs of increasingly complex legal and commercial environments.

Question 12

True or False: The main function of a Notary Public is to prevent fraud.

Answer 12

True

Question 13

Fill in the blank: The notarial profession was formalized in Europe during the _______.

Answer 13

[Middle Ages]