Notary
Notary: A notary public, a public officer commissioned by a state to witness signatures, confirm the identity of signers, take acknowledgments and administer oaths. A notary does not confirm that a document is true or legally valid. Each state sets its own commissioning rules and notarial acts, and many now allow remote online notarization.
What notary means
In practice, you will see notary in pleadings, motions, orders and court rules. The definition above explains the general meaning. Even so, the meaning can shift with context. Therefore, always read it alongside the rule or document where it appears.
Where notary comes up
The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.
Read the source: Affidavit.
How to research the term
To research notary, begin with the rule, statute or contract where the word is used. Each one can give it a slightly different meaning. Then compare that text with how courts in your area have applied it. Also check the local rules of your court, since they can add requirements. If your case is in state court, the state rules control. So start with our state procedures guide to find them. In the end, always confirm that the source you rely on is current.
You can read the current federal court rules online for free.
Related legal terms
- Nonjudicial foreclosure: foreclosure carried out outside court under a power-of-sale clause and the procedures in a state statute.
- Nonmovant: the party responding to a motion.
- Noscitur a sociis: latin for "it is known by its associates." The canon that "a word is known by the company it keeps," so an unclear word is read in light of the words around it (Yates v. United States, 574 U.S. 528, 543 (2015) (plurality opinion)).
- Not guilty: a plea that denies the charge and requires the government to prove guilt at trial. It is also the verdict when the prosecution does not prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In federal court, if a defendant refuses to enter a plea, the court must enter a plea of not guilty (Fed. R. Crim. P. 11(a)(4)).
Why precise terms matter
Legal words often look like everyday words, but they can carry a precise meaning. Because of that, a small misreading can change how you understand a deadline, a duty or a right. Our glossary keeps each definition short and links it to the procedures where it matters.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.