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How to Say "sworn statement" in Spanish

English → Spanish

declaración

nounB2legal
Use 'declaración' when referring to the formal written or spoken statement made in a legal setting, such as testimony given in court or a police report.

Examples

La policía tomó la declaración del testigo clave.

The police took the statement of the key witness.

juramento

hoo-rah-MEN-tohxuɾaˈmento

nounB1legal
Use 'juramento' when the focus is on the formal promise or oath that a person takes before giving their testimony, emphasizing the act of swearing to tell the truth.
A close-up storybook illustration showing a single adult hand raised vertically into the air, palm facing forward, signifying the act of taking an oath or making a solemn promise.

Examples

El testigo tuvo que hacer un juramento antes de declarar.

The witness had to take an oath before testifying.

Su juramento de fidelidad a la causa era inquebrantable.

His solemn promise of loyalty to the cause was unbreakable.

El nuevo alcalde tomó juramento en una ceremonia pública.

The new mayor was sworn in (took the oath) at a public ceremony.

Using 'Hacer' vs. 'Tomar'

Use the verb 'hacer' (to make/do) when talking about the person who is giving the oath ('hacer un juramento'). Use 'tomar' (to take) when talking about the person who receives or administers the oath.

Confusing 'Juramento' and 'Jurar'

Mistake: “Using 'jurar' when you mean the noun: 'Yo di un juramento.'”

Correction: The correct verb to use with the noun is 'hacer': 'Yo hice un juramento.' 'Jurar' is the verb meaning 'to swear' or 'to take an oath'.

Declaración vs. Juramento

Learners often confuse 'declaración' and 'juramento' because they both appear in legal contexts. Remember that 'declaración' is the statement itself, while 'juramento' is the act of swearing to tell the truth before making that statement.

Related Translations

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