Which statement accurately reflects the purpose of a sworn affidavit?

A sworn affidavit is a written statement confirmed by the oath or affirmation of the party making it, typically used in legal contexts. The primary purpose of a sworn affidavit is to provide a factual account that can be used as evidence in court or legal proceedings. When an affidavit acts as accusatory evidence, it serves to assert claims or allegations made against another party based on the personal knowledge of the affiant, thus playing a crucial role in legal arguments or case developments.

In contrast, while affidavits can be part of a public record and may reflect circumstantial facts or authenticate testimonials, these aspects are secondary to their primary role in providing firsthand accounts or accusations regarding a particular situation in a formal and legally binding manner. Therefore, the defining characteristic of a sworn affidavit is its function as a credible piece of evidence that underpins specific claims made in legal contexts.