CP
Joined: 12 Jun 2006 Posts: 2875 Location: California
|
Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2008 7:33 pm Post subject: |
|
|
This is an archaic (outdated) expression that is used in certain legal documents. It is an excellent example of flowery legalese that should be abandoned as foolish and needless.
An affiant is a person who makes an affidavit, or a sworn statement. In California, we call it a declaration under penalty of perjury, but often informally an affidavit. It just means a sworn written statement, something used to give evidence in legal proceedings.
In Texas, and probably in other states, it is customary to list all the things that the affiant / declarant states, ending with a final statement like "Further affiant sayeth not," meaning, "The affiant / declarant says no more." (Back in Shakespeare's day, "says" was pronounced "sayeth.")
The sentence adds nothing to the declaration / affidavit. It is unnecessary and also inaccurate to say, "That's all I have to say." Is the affiant going to keep quiet for the rest of his or her life? Usually not.
It is silly, old-fashioned blather that people keep putting into legal documents just because their great-grandfathers did. Show some creativity, lawyers of Texas, and omit the unnecessary closing statement.
Further say I nothing more, forsooth, and silent shall I remain hereafter and forevermore! _________________ You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb |
|