Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not bound by or stated on oath: Describes a statement, testimony, or declaration that has not been made under a formal oath or affirmation, and therefore may not carry the same legal weight or consequence for perjury.
   • Not having taken an oath: Describes a person, especially a witness, who has not been formally sworn in to tell the truth in a legal or official proceeding.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The judge would not admit the unsworn statement as evidence.
  • As an unsworn witness, she could not be charged with perjury for her account.
  • The affidavit was considered invalid because it was unsworn.

Advanced Usage

• "To stand unsworn": A formal legal phrase describing a witness who gives evidence without having taken an oath.
  • The defendant chose to have his friend stand unsworn rather than risk perjury charges.

Variants and Related Words

• Sworn (adj): The direct antonym; bound by or stated on oath.
  • The court only accepted sworn affidavits.
• Affidavit (n): A written sworn statement of fact.
• Deposition (n): Sworn testimony given out of court.

Synonyms

• Unofficial: Not formally authorized or confirmed.
• Unverified: Not confirmed or substantiated.
• Informal: Not according to prescribed formalities.

Antonyms

• Sworn: Made under oath.
• Testified: Given evidence under oath.
• Attested: Formally declared to be true, often in writing.

Adjective

1. not bound by or stated on oath
   • the witness stands unsworn
   • unsworn testimony