What type of statement is given under oath, such as an affidavit?

A statement given under oath, such as an affidavit, is classified as a sworn statement. This means that the individual making the statement has taken an oath to affirm that the contents of the statement are true to the best of their knowledge, thereby providing a legal basis for the assertion made. Sworn statements are often used as evidence in legal proceedings, and the individual is typically held accountable for the truthfulness of their claims, which can lead to penalties for perjury if false information is provided.

The other types of statements mentioned do not carry the same legal weight or requirement of truthfulness under oath. An affirmative statement may simply express agreement or a positive assertion, but does not imply any sworn truth. Constructive statements may refer to deriving conclusions from existing facts, but again lack the formal oath component. Expert witness statements are made by individuals with specialized knowledge in a relevant field; while these can also be sworn, the term emphasizes the individual's credentials rather than the oath aspect of the statement itself. Thus, the most accurate description for the context of an affidavit or similar legal documentation is that it is a sworn statement.