What is an Oath or to be Under Oath?

Let's define: To Be Under Oath

An "Oath" is basically a legal or official, solemn declaration made before a Court, a judge, a magistrate, or a duly authorized "official" like a Notary Public. It is basically a claim signed under penalty of perjury that the statement you just made, or are about to make, either orally or through a written document such as a sworn statement is true and correct to the best of your abilities.

Unsworn statements or testimony that has not been made under oath cannot be accepted as evidence by a court of law. Not even if it comes from a police officer or from another government official.

Today, since many Courts require the filing of documents electronically, filing them under oath may be a little tricky. In many cases only scanned documents are allowed. You must therefore always research the specific rules for filing in any particular situation. As a pro se litigant you may probably be exempted from electronic filling requirements however it is good to review the Second Amended Order Establishing Standards For The Electronic Filing, Signing and Verification of Documents.

The Instructions for Filing a Civil Action on Your Own Behalf in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland is also a useful document with the rules that governs pro se civil action filings including under oath requirements for most Federal District Courts. However please find the instructions for your particular District to make sure you are following the correct procedures.