What is an affidavit used for in legal proceedings?

An affidavit serves as a written statement of facts that has been confirmed by oath, which means that the individual providing the affidavit is swearing to the truthfulness of the information contained within it. In legal proceedings, affidavits are commonly used to present evidence, support motions, or establish certain facts without needing the affiant to appear in court. The sworn nature of an affidavit gives it a level of credibility, as it implies that the affiant could be subject to penalties for perjury if the information provided is found to be false.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary function of an affidavit. While cross-examination is a critical part of legal proceedings, it involves questioning a witness in court rather than presenting sworn statements. A summary of the trial's findings refers to the outcomes rather than individual statements of fact provided under oath. Lastly, requesting a change of venue involves procedural rules regarding where a case is to be heard, which is unrelated to the purpose of affidavits. Therefore, the significance of an affidavit lies in its role as a verified documentation of facts in legal contexts.