New York State Notary Practice Exam

What legal term is used when a witness provides testimony before a notary?

1. Deposition

2. Authentication

3. Escrow

4. Contract

The correct answer is: Deposition

The term used when a witness provides testimony before a notary is "deposition." A deposition is a formal proceeding where a witness gives sworn testimony in the presence of a notary public, and it is typically used in legal contexts to gather evidence before a trial. This process ensures that the witness's statements are recorded and can be used in court if necessary. While authentication involves verifying the legitimacy of a document or signature, escrow relates to a financial agreement where a third party holds funds or documents until certain conditions are met, and a contract is a legally binding agreement between parties. These terms, while important in legal contexts, do not specifically describe the act of a witness providing testimony before a notary. Thus, "deposition" is the most accurate choice in this scenario.