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Notary Update

I'm writing in response to the letter from Lucasville, Ohio, about notarization. I'm copying this as I have it written down in my legal file: Prison Law Monitor, 3PLM, February 1981 - Expense of notarizing statement can be avoided.

Also includes ideas that are easily seen as more important for incarcerated vets than others. One such idea is the following which can eliminate the necessity of finding a notary public, often not readily available in prison.

It is usually a good idea to send sworn, notarized statements of witnesses or applicants to the review boards. However, notary publics are not always available and usually charge a fee for their services.

Congress passed a law in 1976 (28 U.S.C. § 1746) that says if a statement and if the signature is accompanied by the language noted below, then the statements will have the same "force and effect" of a sworn statement. Whenever a notary public is not available so that a sworn statement can be submitted, include the following sentence and then sign it.

I declare, under penalty of perjury, that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed on (fill in the date). I also write 1976 (28 U.S.C. §1746) under the date.

I hope this little item may help some people out. I carry a copy in my I.D. case. Been carrying it since 1981 and have used it about a dozen times. I've had no trouble by using it.

R.N. Walla Walla, WA

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