Notorial

Notorial refers to anything related to a notary public. A notary public is a public official appointed by a state government to serve as an impartial witness in performing a variety of official acts, most commonly the signing of important documents. These acts are often required by law to prevent fraud.

The primary function of a notary is to deter fraud and ensure the proper execution of documents. They achieve this by verifying the identity of the signers, ensuring they are signing a document willingly, and witnessing their signature. This process is known as notarization.

Documents that commonly require notarization include deeds, contracts, affidavits, powers of attorney, and certain legal forms. The notary's seal and signature on a document serve as a certification that the notarization took place.

The specific powers and duties of a notary public can vary by jurisdiction. Some common notarial acts include administering oaths and affirmations, taking acknowledgments, certifying copies of documents, and protesting negotiable instruments. In some countries, notaries have a broader scope of practice and may draft legal documents or provide legal advice.

The term "notorial" can also be used to describe the official record kept by a notary public, known as a notarial journal or register. This journal details all the notarial acts performed by the notary, serving as an important record for legal purposes.